Farm to Summer Grant Program

The Farm to Summer Grant Program, funded by the California State Library, aims to connect children and families with locally sourced food through engaging activities at public libraries. Participants are expected to offer hands-on food education, including gardening, cooking, and sustainability practices. Open to all public libraries supporting summer meals for youth, the program encourages creativity in facilitating food education and promoting community involvement, although certain costs like food purchases and entertainers are not covered.

Participation in Lunch at the Library includes the expectation of providing Farm to Summer activities. This means all participating libraries support efforts to connect children, teens, and families with locally sourced, sustainable food. Libraries do this by providing hands-on food education and enrichment activities directly before, during, or after meal service at a library or community meal site.
Activities might include but are not limited to the following:
Farm and/or gardening story timeBuilding a gardenPlanting activities with vegetable starts or seedsCooking/nutrition educationHosting a local farmerVisit to local farms (u-pick, stories at the farm, etc.)Composting and other sustainability activitiesFood education programs in settings that celebrate traditional foodways and cultivate food sovereignty.

Eligibility

Funding opportunities are open to all public libraries supporting summer meals for children and youth.

Ineligibility

Unallowable costs include but are not limited to (please ask if you have questions):Food and refreshmentsPerformers for entertainment Fundraising activities, including grant writingCash reserves and endowment holdings; purchase of land, buildings or major constructionNon-educational social activities such as receptions, parties, galasGifts/prizes/incentives; cash prizes, or gift certificates with monetary valueContributions and donations to other entitiesExpenses incurred before the start of the grant period or after the ending date of the grant period without extension request and approvalLobbying activities that are intended to influence the actions, policies, or decisions of government officialsBackfill and salaries or benefits for individuals not directly contributing to the grant-funded project are not allowable as direct costs