With support from the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), F3 Local, and the F3 Initiative, five Central Valley farm businesses have been awarded CDFA Farm to School grants totaling $1.8 million as part of California’s innovative Farm to School Incubator Grant Program. This funding will help local farmers deliver fresh, healthy, and locally-sourced produce to schools across the Valley, benefiting students while strengthening the connection between agriculture and school food systems. These grants are essential in transforming food systems to be more sustainable and equitable, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals while supporting local agriculture.
These Central Valley awardees are part of a larger statewide effort, as the CDFA announced $52.8 million in Farm to School grants awarded to 195 projects, impacting nearly 1.7 million students. Governor Gavin Newsom praised these initiatives, stating, “Supporting healthy food access is foundational to giving our kids the best start in life and preventing chronic disease.” The program highlights the importance of not only providing nutritious meals to students but also giving local farmers the resources to grow and distribute their produce directly into schools.
“These projects show the tremendous passion for farm to school in all corners of California,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross in this press release. “We’re excited to support each awardee with resources and training to ensure these programs continue making progress toward fresh, local foods in school cafeterias and classrooms.”
The recognition of Central Valley farmers underscores the significant impact that F3 Local and CAFF are making in fostering healthier communities and stronger local economies. With this continued support, the Farm to School program helps establish healthy eating habits for students that can last a lifetime while creating new market opportunities for small, local farms. We look forward to seeing the continued progress as these farmers play an essential role in shaping the future of our Valley’s food systems.
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