Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant

This grant helps Vermont-based early childhood providers and Vermont schools build and strengthen farm to school or farm to early childhood programs. Specifically, the grant is designed to support programs that are integrated throughout the classroom, the cafeteria, and the community - the '3 C's' of Farm to School and Early Childhood. A total of $200,000 is available through this competitive funding opportunity; the minimum award is $10,000 and the maximum award is $30,000. Grantees have up to 18 months to complete projects, and no matching funds are required. The Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program was authorized by the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program Act of 2006 (6 V.S.A. § 4721) and is funded by an annual State of Vermont legislative appropriation.

The following entities are eligible to apply for this competitive grant:

• Vermont licensed early childhood education centers

• Registered family child care home (FCCH) providers

• Independent schools participating in any federal child nutrition programs

• Individual K-12 public schools or school-based pre-K programs

• Supervisory unions (SU) or educational districts on behalf of a K-12 public school or pre-K program, or a consortium of K-12 public schools and pre-K programs

A total of $200,000 is available; awards range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000. Grantees have up to 18 months to complete projects. Pre-award costs may be available with permission from the grant program manager. No matching funds are required.

Applications are open from September 9 - October 21, 2026. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days) and complete your application in WebGrants using the Agency's Application Guide; the application deadline is October 21, 2026. Contact: Gina Clithero, gina.clithero@vermont.gov, 802-585-6225.