The New York State Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program (RFP #358) offers funding for projects that enhance the use of New York State farm products in school meal preparation, reduce food insecurity, and promote workforce development in the food industry. This grant supports capital projects aimed at building infrastructure to improve meal preparation for K-12 schools. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, local municipalities, school districts, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

Key Dates:
RFP Release: October 10, 2024
Informational Workshop: October 29, 2024
Question Submission Deadline: November 12, 2024
Questions and Answers Posted: November 19, 2024
Application Deadline: December 5, 2024, by 4:00 PM
Grant Award Announcement: March 2025
Funding:
Total Available: $10 million
Award Amount: $5 million per region
Grants are aimed at developing facilities such as food hubs or commissary-type kitchens that serve multiple school districts and provide training and community use.
Eligible Applicants:
Registered non-profits, local municipalities, school districts, and BOCES in New York State.
Applicants must be registered and prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS).
Project Scope:
Eligible projects must involve construction, renovation, or improvements of buildings and equipment related to meal preparation and distribution of New York-based products. Workforce training, community use, and multi-school district involvement are essential components.

For more information, applicants can attend the October 29th workshop or submit questions by November 12, 2024 to farmtoschool@agriculture.ny.gov​.