USDA Harvest to Hallways Initiative to Connect Farmers with Local Schools

USDA has announced new efforts to strengthen school meals by connecting more American farmers with local schools, investing in school kitchen infrastructure, and giving states and school districts new tools to serve healthier, more nutrient-dense meals. The Harvest to Hallways initiative includes up to $70 million in investments in school cafeteria infrastructure, an effort to expand schools’ use of local food procurement options, and up to $25 million in additional Farm to School Grants for Fiscal Year 2026. Specifically, USDA will launch a major education and outreach campaign around the “Local Option” School Procurement Program, an existing procurement pathway that can allow schools to be reimbursed for purchases of locally produced foods. In addition, USDA will make a new $50 million investment in school cafeteria infrastructure to help qualifying schools purchase equipment such as cold storage and stoves, improve food safety, and establish, maintain, or expand School Breakfast Programs. USDA will also award up to $25 million in new, additional Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants for FY 2026.