The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will accept applications for Agricultural Growth Research and Innovation Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education grants.

According to a press release, MDA will award up to $377,500 to eligible institutions to increase the use of Minnesota-grown and raised foods through planning and feasibility studies or equipment purchases and physical improvements.

“These grants serve two purposes — we are able to invest in schools and early care and education organizations, and we can expand markets that support local farmers,” Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said. “Communities across Minnesota are better off thanks to these AGRI grants and the opportunities they create.”

In previous grant rounds, highly-competitive AGRI Farm to School grants helped schools and early care and education organizations purchase food processors, cooling and storage equipment and specialized ovens to make it easier to serve Minnesota grown produce, meat and dairy.

AGRI Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education grants benefit farmers by empowering schools to use locally grown and raised foods, the release stated.

Applications for Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education grants must be submitted by 4 p.m. Nov. 1.

For more information and to apply, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/f2sgrant.