Grants connect schools with local fresh food

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The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is providing $2,000 grants for schools to buy fresh food from local farmers, according to a news release. The grants will go to 137 school districts and private schools for purchases of meat, eggs, produce, dairy and other local foods. The Local Food for Schools program, launched in 2022, is intended to set up local food hubs to help supply school lunch programs. Over 160 schools and over 110 farms and retailers have been involved in earlier rounds of the program. “These grants provide yet another way that we can assist our schools with providing fresh and nutritious meals while also fortifying supply chains and building market demand for Iowa farmers,” Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said in a prepared statement. The Farm to School and Early Care Network has more information, including about how to participate.