Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announces Grow Ohio grant

3/4/2024

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announces its request for applications for the Grow Ohio Grant program. These grants, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 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. 

Innovative, local-level, farm-to-school projects such as school gardening, hydroponics, and food literacy activities, in collaboration with Ohio food producers, will increase the amount of locally grown foods in school and summer meal programs. In addition, students will have exposure to and hands-on experience in food production and agricultural career fields.

Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $40,000, with priority given to applications meeting one or more of the following: 

• Focuses on workforce development and introduces students to career opportunities in food production and agriculture.
• Partners with one or more local farmers, food producers, or local food aggregators. 
• Sponsors that serve children in communities with high percentages (50% or greater) of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. 

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 15, 2024.

For more information, visit the Grow Ohio Grant program webpage or contact the Office of Nutrition at (614) 387-2200 or nutrition@education.ohio.gov.