North Dakota Awards Farm to School Equipment Grants

By Scout Nelson

Thirteen schools, early learning centers, and local food producers in North Dakota have received new support through Farm to School equipment grants. These grants aim to improve how schools bring fresh, local food to student meals by funding equipment purchases.

To qualify, applicants had to be a North Dakota-based K-12 school involved in the National School Lunch Program, a licensed early childhood education center in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, or a local food producer.

The funding comes from the USDA’s Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program. North Dakota secured a total of $204,500 in funding to support this initiative.

Some notable recipients include:

• Prairie Gates in Sheyenne received $50,000 for cold storage equipment.
• Rustic Acres in Rolette got $38,749.58 for a high tunnel and food processing tools.
• West Fargo Public Schools was granted $27,897.02 for a blast chiller.
• Bullinger Red Angus Ranch and Family Meats in Powers Lake received $24,384.33 for cold storage.
• Ashley School District #9 obtained $23,356.00 for new cold storage.

Other awardees include schools and centers in Minot, Menoken, Bismarck, Des Lacs, Napoleon, New Rockford, and Anamoose, receiving funds for items like greenhouses, cold bars, and processing tools.

This effort helps schools strengthen their ties with local agriculture while ensuring students have access to nutritious meals. By improving storage and food preparation capacity, schools can include more local produce and meat in their menus year-round.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot