Minnesota Farm to School Program

Minnesota is expanding its Farm to School program — putting more local food on kids’ plates and more money in farmers’ pockets.

The Department of Agriculture is awarding more than $1.3 million in new grants, helping schools and childcare providers buy Minnesota-grown food.

Full Tray Grants include:

Lake City Public Schools, $14,785

Pine Island Public Schools, $10,000

Hastings Public School, $30,000

Riverway Learning Community in Winona, $2,700

Northfield Montessori, is receiving $5,000.

Program supervisor Kate Seybold says it’s a win-win, supporting students with fresh meals while boosting local producers and the state economy.

This year, participation among family daycares more than doubled to 311 providers, with funding reaching communities in nearly half of Minnesota’s counties.