California Awards $52.8M in Grants, Feeding 1.65M Students

California Awards $52.8 Million in Farm to School Grants, Benefiting Over 1.65 Million StudentsPhoto byOffice of Governor Gavin Newsom

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a major effort to promote childhood nutrition and local agriculture, California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the latest round of grants through the state’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program. A total of $52.8 million will be distributed to fund 195 projects, impacting over 1.65 million students across the state.

The Farm to School initiative works in tandem with California’s universal school meals program, ensuring that students have access to fresh, healthy, and locally sourced food. These efforts not only support childhood nutrition but also promote economic growth in local communities and encourage climate-smart agricultural practices.

A Nation-Leading Initiative

Since its launch in 2021, California’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has reached 49% of the state’s students, improving food access and nutrition security for families. Governor Newsom highlighted the initiative's importance, stating, “Supporting healthy food access is foundational to giving our kids the best start in life and preventing chronic disease."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who helped spearhead the program, emphasized the long-term benefits: "Together with universal school meals, we’re ensuring students have access to two delicious and nutritious meals each day, locally sourced and climate-smart."

Expanding Access to Nutritious Meals

This latest round of funding will serve 199 school districts, five Native American tribes, 52 farms, and eight food hubs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to childhood health and local agricultural support. Since its inception, the program has distributed $86 million to 375 projects, benefiting nearly 2.9 million students across California.

California’s approach to school nutrition also includes the recent launch of SUN Bucks, a federal food program aimed at supporting children from low-income families during the summer, and a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase nutritious, local foods for school meal programs.

For a full list of the 195 grantees from the latest round, visit the CA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program website.

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024
The Republic News

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