Kentucky Department of Agriculture is receiving a federal grant funding from the USDA of more than $650,000 to support Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs across school districts. The funding will be used to purchase walk-in coolers and freezers to store locally grown crops, as well as equipment for different types of agricultural production. The money will be awarded to six school districts as subgrants.
The funding is expected to help student farmers hone their craft and learn more about agriculture. It will also create support for the food system and teach healthier habits. The data collected from the grant applications will also be used to create a Farm to School growing toolkit for FFA chapters statewide. This will allow every school across Kentucky that does have an FFA chapter to implement the program and grow for their schools.
Information for school districts to apply for the grants will be available by October 1st, with the money scheduled to be awarded by November 30.
This is great news for Kentucky schools and FFA chapters. The funding will help students learn more about agriculture and develop the skills they need to be successful farmers. It will also help to create a more sustainable food system in Kentucky.
Photo Credit: Kentucky FFA
Categories: Kentucky, Education, Government & Policy