A funding opportunity for U.S. libraries interested in starting or expanding food education or food access initiatives The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program<https://www.fns.usda.gov/f2s/farm-school-grant-program> is designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools and help connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Grants can launch new farm to school programs or expand existing efforts. Applications are open through January 12, 2024. On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize efforts to increase access to food and to food education among America's youth. Grantees include schools and districts, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, non-profit entities, and state and local agencies. In other words, public libraries (and state libraries!) are eligible to participate in this program, which has been offered annually since 2013<https://www.fns.usda.gov/f2s/grant-awards>. Are you considering applying for a grant and need support? In partnership with the USDA, the Kids Garden Community is hosting a special, free informational session on November 8<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMocuyhpzoiH9JZE_Ko4p9Gl7ojtNHW-V7f#/registration>, 2023 from 3:00-4:30 PM ET to provide application support for those applying for youth garden-related projects. Sign up now<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMocuyhpzoiH9JZE_Ko4p9Gl7ojtNHW-V7f#/registration>! This session will consist of: * Grant information presented by the USDA * Tips and lessons learned from grantees * Q&A and peer support It appears that public libraries are eligible to apply. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.