COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin on Aug 6th, announced the award of $332,960 in Grow Ohio Grants to support local programs providing agricultural education opportunities for children in 14 communities across the state.

“The programs supported by our Grow Ohio Grants will enrich the lives of children across Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “My wife, Fran, is passionate about teaching young people where their food comes from and how it gets to their plate, and these programs do just that – offering first-hand experience at the rewarding process of growing, harvesting, and preparing fresh food. In many cases, food from these programs is even brought onto the school lunch menu for all students to enjoy.”

MORE: Project Summaries and Grant Amounts

Grant recipients will offer activities for children that support farm-to-school projects such as outdoor or indoor school gardening, hydroponics, collaboration with local food producers, and food literacy activities. Many of the awardees plan to incorporate food produced through their programs into school meals.

Additionally, the Grow Ohio Grants aim to create opportunities for students to gain knowledge of potential careers in agriculture and to increase relationships between Ohio food producers and child nutrition program sponsors.

“For some students, these programs will inspire them to take an interest in the agriculture industry and become part of the next generation of Ohioans who will feed our communities,” Governor DeWine added. “But all who take part will certainly become more connected to our state’s rich agricultural heritage, while learning valuable life skills they can carry with them forever.”

“A thriving school is an extension of the community and one that embraces wellness, nutrition, and activities to learn and succeed,” said Director Dackin. “The Grow Ohio Grant provides students with multiple opportunities to gain knowledge about in-demand careers in agriculture, while providing more locally grown foods served in USDA meal programs.”

“Teaching our youngsters about food and agriculture is critical to the success of Ohio’s number one industry,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. “Learning where their food comes from and about the people who produce the product will allow them to gain a deeper connection to agriculture, while inspiring the next generation.”

Grow Ohio Grant funding is provided by the 2022 USDA State Agency Farm to School State Formula Grant. Awardees included schools, childcare centers, and community sponsors of summer meal programs that are National School Lunch Program, Child and Adult Food Care Program, or Summer Food Service Program providers.

First-round Grow Ohio Grant awardees met one or more of the following criteria: 

• Focus on workforce development and introduction for students to career opportunities in food production and agriculture.
• Partnership with one or more local farmers, food producers, or local food aggregators.
• Sponsors that serve children in communities with high percentages (50% or greater) of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

For more information, visit DEW’s Grow Ohio Grant webpage.