RFP 0423 - New York State Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program

Applications are due January 22, 2027 by 3:00 p.m.

Overview

The Department invites eligible entities to apply for funding through the fourth round of the 2026 Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program. Funding from the program will go toward projects that encourage the use of fresh New York State farm products in meal preparation for K-12 school children, reduce food insecurity, increase market opportunities for New York State producers, and strengthen the resiliency of our state’s food system.

$50,000,000 will be available over five years, with one $5,000,000 award to each of the ten regions listed below. $10,000,000 is available for the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant 2026 (Round 4), with two $5,000,000 awards being made to two separate regions. 

Please see the Request for Proposal below for more information.

Eligible Regions

Once a grantee is awarded in a region, that region will be removed from consideration for future funding rounds. Regions awarded in Rounds 1, 2, and 3 which are excluded from being awarded in Round 4 (2026) are Western New York and North Country (awarded in Round 1, 2023), Central New York, and Long Island (awarded in Round 2, 2024), and New York City and Mid-Hudson (awarded in Round 3, 2025). Grantees can only apply for the full amount of $5,000,000 per proposal.

The following regions will be eligible for this grant:

  • Finger Lakes: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates
  • Southern Tier: Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins
  • Mohawk Valley: Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie
  • Capital Region: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren, Washington

Apply

Funding will support projects that serve multiple school districts, support their local community, and provide workforce development opportunities, and go toward the costs of capital projects, including services, expenses, construction, and repair of facilities and infrastructure.

Applications must be submitted through the through the Statewide Financial System Grants Management System (SFS GM) to be considered for funding.

Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. The deadline to apply for the grant is Thursday, January 22, 2027 at 3:00 pm. Late proposals will not be accepted.

An informational webinar for program applicants was held September 25, 2026. A recording of the webinar is available here.