Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant Now Open

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is opening applications for the Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant. This grant is open to licensed or registered early childhood education providers; K-12 public schools, supervisory unions, school districts; and independent schools participating in any federal child nutrition programs.   

The application portal is open September 17 - October 29, 2025. Grants can range from $10,000 - $30,000 and there is no match requirement. Applicants will be notified of decisions in January 2026, with projects beginning in March 2026.   

This grant is intended to help Vermont-based early childhood providers and Vermont schools build and strengthen farm to school or farm to early childhood programs. Specifically, the grant is designed to support programs that are integrated throughout the classroom, the cafeteria, and the community – the 3 C’s of Farm to School.  

There will be an optional applicant webinar on Thursday, October 2 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM for prospective applicants to learn more. 

Full details about the Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant, including eligibility criteria and webinar information and future updates can be found on the FY26 Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant webpage.  

The Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant is the second in a series of new and updated funding opportunities available through the Farm to Institution Program in Fiscal Year 2026. For more information about upcoming grant opportunities, including the one-time Local Food for Schools and Child Care grants, visit the Farm to Institution webpage.    

The Farm to Institution Program was authorized with the passage of the Rozo Mclaughlin Farm-to-School Program Act of 2006 and is funded with an annual state appropriation from the Vermont State Legislature. Since the first grants in 2007, VAAFM has awarded 339 farm to school grants, investing $2.4 million in state funds in 158 schools and school districts and 160 early childhood education programs.    

For questions regarding Farm to Institution grant opportunities, please contact:    

Gina Clithero | VAAFM Farm to Institution Program Manager | gina.clithero@vermont.gov | 802-585-6225