Get Up to $4,000 to Bring Local Food to Students!
The Cost Share Program provides funding to schools and producers so more students can enjoy fresh, local food.
What is the Cost Share Program?
Our Cost Share Program provides up to $4,000 in reimbursements to schools and producers who are committed to bringing local food to school meals.
From essential food safety equipment and school serving equipment to staff training and audits, we help cover the real costs of getting fresh food from local farms to school lunch trays.
For schools and producers interested in providing students with fresh, local food.
schools
Need equipment to serve more local food in your school kitchens? We’ll help you get there.
- What: Helps local schools purchase the equipment they need to prepare, serve, and store local foods.
- Reimbursable equipment items:
- Salad spinners
- Robot Coupe food processors
- Herb shears
- Mobile shelving
- And more
- Who: Schools that have high percentages of BIPOC and/or economically disadvantaged students.
- How: Must participate in the Farm to School bid program. Learn more.
producers
Thinking about serving schools? We’ll help you get there.
- What: Helps producers prepare for third-party audits, food safety certifications, and requirements for entering the school supply chain.
- Reimbursable food safety costs:
- Food safety audit (up to $1,050 reimbursed)
- Small equipment to help you meet food safety standards. Recommendations are not binding.
- Who: This program prioritizes new, small/medium, BIPOC, and historically underinvested businesses or socially disadvantaged businesses.
- How: Must commit to selling to schools (vendor profile required). Book a Free Consult.
Receive up to $2,000 per building or $4,000 per district.
Reimbursement covers up to 75% of eligible costs, with a $4,000 maximum (up to 3 invoices).
ready to get started?
Schedule a free, one-on-one consult with a team member to see if you’re eligible and get your questions answered.
Get the Equipment & Training You Need the Easy Way
Here’s why schools and producers take part in the cost share program:
Funding is ready now:
Get reimbursed quickly
Hands-on support:
Our team helps you every step of the way
Join a trusted network:
Connect with 70+ school districts and 25+ local producers
Make an impact:
Help students eat better while boosting your bottom line
The funding helped us purchase a more accurate pH meter for our quality control lab. That might sound like a small upgrade, but for a dairy like ours, it’s a big deal. It’s given our team new precision in tracking the cultures that make our yogurt so distinct, resulting in greater consistency, better flavor, and longer shelf life. It’s one of those quiet improvements that touches nearly every part of production.
Celeste Bennett, General Manager, Snowville Creamery
I purchased salad spinners and herb shearers for each building. We will be incorporating all hydroponic head lettuce this year and also making our own salad dressings using fresh herbs.
Jennifer Rex, Food Service Director, Plain Local Schools
Talk to Our Team for Free. Book a Consult!
Speak with a team member during a free 1:1 consultation. They’ll help you understand the process, confirm eligibility, and start your application.
No pressure. No prep required. Just bring your goals and we’ll help with the rest!