Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Cancellation for Fiscal Year 2025

Apr 7

The USDA has unexpectedly eliminated funding for the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Since 2013, this initiative has supported schools and early care and education (ECE) centers by providing crucial funding to include locally grown foods, nutrition education, and school garden activities in meal programs and daily lessons. It was one of the only dedicated sources of federal funding to connect children with healthy, local foods while supporting local farmers, ranchers, and food producers.

The Mississippi Farm to School Network is deeply saddened by the loss of progress and vital funding aimed at providing healthier food for kids and supporting locally grown food in school cafeterias, which is now at risk. Without this funding, many of these essential programs could be delayed, reduced, or lost completely—impacting children, families, educators, and farmers across the nation.

Did you apply for the USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant for Fiscal Year 2025?

If so, we need to hear from you! We are gathering information on how this decision affects schools, ECE centers, and communities. Your responses will help us advocate for future funding and demonstrate the real impact of this loss.

Please take a moment to fill out this short survey (only 5 minutes!):

Take the Survey Now

Take Action!

Let policymakers know how this affects your community by using the National Farm to School Network's Action Alert.
Sign and share the National Farm to School Network's petition urging USDA to restore this critical funding.
Spread the word—farm to school programs need your voice!

Your support is crucial. Please share this with any schools, districts, or organizations that have benefited from farm to school funding in the past.

Thank you for standing with us in support of farm to school programs