The South Dakota Department of Education’s Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS) awarded nearly $50,000 across six Farm to School programs. The Farm to School grant enhances the initiative to build and increase the capacity of participating programs to procure and use local foods and provide agricultural education opportunities.
“Through the Farm to School program, South Dakota’s youth are being immersed in unique opportunities to connect with local food producers in South Dakota,” said Alan Haarstad, Director of CANS. “Beyond the educational component of this program, local food producers are being recognized for their commitments to their communities and strengthening their local economy.”
Each program was required to form a team of at least three members to carry out its grant project proposal. Eligible team member roles included food service staff, administrators, educators, Child Nutrition Program staff, childcare sponsors, board members, parents, or community partners.
Farm to School teams must maintain the scope of the narrative submitted with their grant application, which addressed the need for the project, goals, timeline, and sustainability.
The following programs are the 2026 recipients of the Farm to School grant:
- Howard School District – $9,239;
- McCrossan Boys Ranch – $14,968;
- Mount Vernon School District – $1,227.58;
- Wilmot School District – $4,689.84;
- YMCA of the Black Hills – $5,193.75; and
- Youth and Family Services – $14,532.79.
To learn more about the Farm to School program, visit doe.sd.gov/farmtoschool/.
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