New York Funds $150,000 Farm-to-School Awards
Two organizations in Washington and Saratoga counties each received $150,000 to strengthen local food sourcing for schools.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Organic Food
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Comfort Food Community of Washington County, Inc. and Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County were each awarded $150,000 through New York's Farm-to-School program. The funding was announced through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Why it matters
The program aims to connect schools with local food systems and increase locally grown food on school menus. Funded projects are intended to strengthen ties between students and local farmers.
Each organization received $150,000, and New York's Farm-to-School program sets a goal of sourcing 30% of school food from local producers. The announcement does not detail how many schools or farms will be served by the funded projects.
The players
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
The state agency that issued the announcement and oversees the Farm-to-School program, which supports farm-to-cafeteria efforts across New York.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County
A local outreach arm of Cornell University's extension network that will provide equipment and training to participating school districts.
The details
Comfort Food Community of Washington County will streamline procurement and expand opportunities for local farmers and producers in partnership with school districts. Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County will supply participating districts with food processing equipment and staff training on locally sourced products.
Timeline
Article on the awards published November 9, 2026.
Farm-to-School Push
These awards are part of New York's Farm-to-School program, which sets a goal of sourcing 30% of school food from local producers. The two grants extend that effort into Washington and Saratoga counties.
Families with children in participating school districts may see more locally grown produce on lunch menus as projects roll out. Local farmers and producers may gain new procurement opportunities through the funded programs.
The takeaway
Connecting school cafeterias with nearby farms can shorten supply chains and put more local food in students' hands. Residents interested in the program can follow updates from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Further reading
Explore more on Organic Food and how local sourcing is shaping school meals across New York.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Post Star.
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