The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is announcing its request for applications for the Grow Ohio Grant program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the grants will increase the capacity of participating child nutrition providers to procure and use locally sourced foods in program meals and provide agricultural education opportunities for participating students.
Awarded grants will support innovative, local-level, farm-to-school projects such as school gardening, hydroponics, and food literacy activities to increase the amount of locally grown foods in school, child care, and summer meal programs. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Ohio food producers and create opportunities for exposure to and hands-on experience in food production and agricultural career fields.
Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $40,000. Applicants are required to meet one or more of the following grant objective areas:
- Student exploration in agriculture careers
- Connections with local agriculture producers
- Development or expansion of edible gardens
Those eligible to apply include National School Lunch Program, Child and Adult Food Care Program, and Summer Food Service Program sponsors. These providers are encouraged to collaborate with farmers, nonprofits, and other community partners to strengthen their farm to school programming.
The deadline to apply is May 28, 2025.
For more information, visit the Grow Ohio Grant program webpage or contact Rebecca Naab.