Wilmot School District Awarded Farm to School Grant to Expand Local Food and Ag Education

Northeast Radio SD News – Wilmot, SD - The Wilmot School District is one of six programs statewide selected to receive funding through the South Dakota Department of Education’s 2026 Farm to School Grant, an initiative designed to expand student access to locally grown foods and hands‑on agricultural learning.

The Department of Education’s Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS) awarded nearly $50,000 across six programs. Wilmot will receive $4,689.84 to support its Farm to School project.

According to CANS Director Alan Haarstad, the program strengthens connections between students and South Dakota food producers while supporting local economies.

 “Through the Farm to School program, South Dakota’s youth are being immersed in unique opportunities to connect with local food producers,” Haarstad said. “Local food producers are being recognized for their commitments to their communities and strengthening their local economy.”

Wilmot joins the following 2026 grant recipients:

·         Howard School District – $9,239

·         McCrossan Boys Ranch – $14,968

·         Mount Vernon School District – $1,227.58

·         Wilmot School District – $4,689.84

·         YMCA of the Black Hills – $5,193.75

·         Youth and Family Services – $14,532.79

The Farm to School program aims to increase the use of locally sourced foods in school meals while expanding agricultural education opportunities such as school gardens, producer visits, and hands‑on learning.

More information about the Farm to School initiative is available at doe.sd.gov/farmtoschool.