Delivered directly to schools, the grants apply a farm to school (also referred to as Local Food to School*) approach to bring more local food into schools where it is featured in a meal service, such as a salad bar, that allows students to build their own bowls or create their own plates.
The goal? To see more students and school communities engaged in:
Healthy, local and sustainable foods at school!
*The term “Local food to school” can be used instead of “farm to school.” This term is preferred in some regions and Indigenous communities. It reflects the diversity of local and traditional foods that can be enjoyed in schools from coast to coast to coast, many of which are not sourced from a farm.
Applications are open to ALL schools (kindergarten to grade 12) in Canada, including schools in Indigenous communities/nations.
For more information, please refer to the 2024 Grant Guidelines.
Applications will be accepted online beginning February 5, 2024. Completed applications must be submitted by April 5, 2024. It is strongly advised that all prospective applicants complete the following steps BEFORE completing the online application form:
February 5, 2024
grant application window OPENS
February 22, 2024
grant application webinar in ENGLISH 3-4pm EST (Watch here)
February 27, 2024
grant application webinar in FRENCH 3-4pm EST (Watch here)
April 5, 2024
grant application window CLOSES
May 24, 2024
grant recipients notified
September 2024
grant recipient schools commence their programs
June 30, 2026
program deliverables complete
Interested in introducing food literacy to your school, but prefer to begin with a smaller, garden-focused project? The Whole Kids Garden Grant Program is currently accepting applications until March 1, 2024. Learn more about it here.
Looking for ideas on how the grants can be implemented in your school community?
In 2017 the Farm to School Canada Grants program became the central pillar to the Farm to School: Canada Digs-in! (F2SCDI) initiative. F2SCDI is a multi-sectoral partnership designed to prevent chronic disease by improving student nutrition and food literacy, while building community and strengthening local food systems. Through Whole Kids Foundation’s supportive partnership in F2SCDI we have been able to provide grant recipients with additional access to local supports and resources and evaluate the impacts of their programs. Learn more about F2SCDI here.
September 2022 – June 2024
33 Schools
Open to all provinces & territories
September 2020 – June 2022
40 Schools
Open to all provinces & territories
September 2018 – June 2020
36 Schools
Open to BC, ON, QC, NB, NL
September 2016 – June 2019
50 Schools
Open to BC & ON schools
