Funding-Limited Submission U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) People’s Garden School Pilot Program; September 1, 2010

 

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has $1 million available in FY 2010 for a People’s Garden School Pilot Program.  FNS is requesting applications to enter into a cooperative agreement for the purposes of awarding grants to develop and run community gardens at eligible high-poverty schools; teaching students involved in the gardens about agriculture production practices, diet, and nutrition; contributing produce to supplement food provided at eligible schools, student households, local food banks, or senior center nutrition programs; and conducting an evaluation of funded projects to learn more about the impacts of school gardens.

 

The authorizing legislation for this pilot program specifies that school gardens are to be developed in at least three States and no more than five States that fall into three groupings of population size.  One State must rank in the top 15 most populous States.  One State must rank in the 16th to 30th largest States, and at least one State must be among the lowest populated States.

 

The complete announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/outreach/grants/garden_rfa.pdf

 

An organization may only submit one application for this RFA. Within the 3 – 5 States selected to participate and within the parameters set forth in this RFA, there are no limits to the number of participating schools or the number of participating students or the number of new school garden projects included in one application.  Organizations may partner on more than one application.

 

Because an organization may only submit one application, UK has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, September 1, 2010:

1)     the names and departments of the Project Director, project team, and any non-UK team members and/or collaborators;

2)     geographic areas and proposed school partners,

3)     a 2-3 page description of the project’s goals, objectives, proposed activities.

 

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission in time for the October 8, 2010 deadline. 

 

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).