FY2019 Farm to School Training and Curricula | USDA FNS F2S TC 2019

Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA FNS F2S TC 2019

The FY2019 Farm to School Training and Curricula opportunity is a USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) discretionary funding announcement (USDA FNS F2S TC 2019; CFDA 10.575) aimed at strengthening farm to school efforts by building the capacity of agricultural producers to sell into school and other child nutrition markets. The core idea is to fund a national-level partner to create a practical, standardized training curriculum, deliver "train-the-trainer" instruction, and evaluate how well these trainings work, so that states can more effectively support farmers, fishers, and ranchers who want to start or expand farm to school sales.

Through a cooperative agreement, FNS planned to support one or more awards for FY 2019 through FY 2021, with a total project period expected to last three years. The anticipated award size was roughly $1 million to $2 million, with an award ceiling of $2,000,000, and the notice indicated an expectation of one award. Because this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, the selected recipient would be expected to work closely with FNS (including national and regional office staff) during development, rollout, and evaluation, reflecting substantial federal involvement in the project.

The funded organization would be responsible for several connected deliverables. First, it would conduct a needs assessment of producers, working in close collaboration with State agencies (SAs), to identify the most important barriers, knowledge gaps, and training topics that producers face when selling to schools and related institutions. Using that needs assessment, the recipient would then develop training curricula and supporting resources focused on key farm to school topics, and create a training-of-trainers model so that State agencies (and potentially other partner entities) gain the knowledge and skills to implement the trainings within their own states. Finally, the recipient would evaluate training results, meaning the project is expected to include clear measures of effectiveness and lessons learned, not just curriculum creation and delivery.

Eligibility was broad and included accredited public or private institutions of higher education, research or training institutions, nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and other eligible applicants as described in the full eligibility text. FNS signaled a preference for an applicant with an established national network connected to producers and State agencies, and/or a track record of successfully implementing national training initiatives with a producer or school focus. In practical terms, the ideal applicant would already have strong relationships and a credible platform for convening stakeholders, piloting materials, delivering trainings at scale, and disseminating resources widely.

Key administrative details include a creation date of September 26, 2018, and an original closing date of November 26, 2018. The notice also emphasizes that awards are contingent on available funds, and that FNS may choose to fund the project in whole or in part without further competition in the current or future fiscal years, which is a standard federal provision allowing continued support depending on performance and appropriations. Overall, the opportunity is designed to leave states better equipped with ready-to-use curriculum, trained trainers, and evidence on what works, so producers can more successfully participate in farm to school supply chains.

• The Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service in the food and nutrition sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY2019 Farm to School Training and Curricula" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.575.
• This funding opportunity was created on Sep 26, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 26, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for USDA FNS F2S TC 2019

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