AGRI First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant (MN)

The AGRI First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aims to assist school districts and early childhood education centers in developing local procurement practices. This grant supports projects that emphasize Minnesota-grown foods, including taste tests and increased menu offerings. Applicants can receive $2,500 to $5,000 without a cash match, fostering a strong connection between local agriculture and education.

NOTE: In addition to applying for the AGRI First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant, you may also apply for the AGRI Equipment Grant.
The AGRI First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant is meant to be an intentional learning process for school districts and early childhood education (ECE) centers that have little to no experience with local procurement as part of a Farm to School and Early Care program.
If your school district or ECE center has prior Farm to School and Early Care experience, or you’ve previously received a First Bite Grant, you should apply for the AGRI Full Tray Farm to School and Early Care Grant.
Project
Projects must focus on intentional, high-impact Farm to School and Early Care efforts that highlight Minnesota-grown and -raised foods. These may include but are not limited to:

• Trialing new Minnesota grown products on the menu or through taste tests
• Participating in the Minnesota Great Apple Crunch
• Hosting a Breakfast or Lunch with a Farmer meal
• Increasing the number of times a Minnesota item or meal repeats on the menu
• Adding Minnesota Thursdays as a monthly feature to the menu
• Expanding the number of featured items or meals during Farm to School and Early Care Month (October)
• Funding
• First Bite applicants may apply for $2,500 to $5,000.There is no cash match.