Opportunity for school gardens program funding

4/29/2025

Accepting applications for Produce Safety for School Gardens Training Program

As the popularity of school gardens continues to grow across Ohio, more students are experiencing the benefits of hands-on learning of the food production industry through opportunities to consume the produce grown in innovative learning labs.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is accepting applications from schools and districts in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and sponsors of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to support the development of a Produce Safety for School Gardens Training Program.

Funded through the Department’s 2024 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Produce Safety for School Gardens Training Program will equip preK-5 students and educators to plant, grow, harvest, prepare, and safely consume the produce grown in edible, educational gardens. The Department will select up to three NSLP schools and districts or CACFP sponsors.

Grant eligibility and more details are available on the Produce Safety for School Gardens Training Program webpage. Applications close May 12 at 11:59 p.m.

The Department will host an informational webinar on April 29 from 9-10 a.m. School or center leadership, educators, school garden coordinators, and foodservice staff are encouraged to attend to learn more. Register here to attend.

Direct questions to the Office of Nutrition at (614) 387-2200 or child.nutrition@education.ohio.gov.