New York invests in school food infrastructure

By Blake Jackson

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced the availability of $10 million in funding for the second round of the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program. This program aims to support schools in improving meal preparation and distribution for students.

"Here at the Department, we are working hard to ensure our farmers are New York’s best and first customer across the board, and that includes our schools," said Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "The Regional School Food Infrastructure program provides a tremendous opportunity to collaborate with our partners across the state to strengthen our food system and provide delicious, healthy and locally sourced meals to our students by ensuring our schools have the equipment they need to cook from scratch and use ingredients made by our farmers and producers."

Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES BOCES), a recipient of the first round of funding, received $5 million to establish a central food hub, educational facilities, and retrofit school cafeterias. This project will enhance the nutritional value and local focus of meals served in 16 school districts.

CVES BOCES has a strong commitment to farm-to-school initiatives, working closely with local farmers to source fresh food for their students. They serve local food daily, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other products.

The second round of the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program is now open for applications. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, school districts, and BOCES.

Proposals must focus on improving meal preparation for K-12 students, reducing food insecurity, increasing market opportunities for local producers, and strengthening the state's food system.

Funding will be awarded to projects in all regions of New York over five years. The first round allocated funds to Western New York and the North Country.

Grant funds can be used for capital projects that support the preparation and distribution of fresh meals, such as aggregation, storage hubs, and commissary kitchens. Proposals are due on December 5, 2024.

“Healthy, locally sourced meals should be a staple in every New York school cafeteria, but many lack the physical infrastructure to cook and store fresh food," said Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. "The Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program offers capital funding for schools to invest in the tools they need to build capacity and serve local farm products. We encourage all eligible school districts and organizations across New York State to apply and take advantage of this chance to strengthen farm-to-school partnerships.”

For more information on the program, project eligibility, and how to apply, visit here.

Photo Credit: farm-to-school