Oklahoma Local Food for Schools Program Now Accepting Applications
- mike33692
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Program Opens for Fiscal Year 2026
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) is now accepting applications for the Local Food for Schools program, designed to connect accredited schools with Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.
Schools that participate will be reimbursed for purchases of minimally processed local foods such as:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat and poultry
Dairy products
Eggs and nuts
Supporting Students and Local Farmers
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur said the program benefits both students and producers.
“This program is opening up a significant opportunity for schools to give students better access to nutritious and local food,” Arthur said. “This program also expands potential markets for Oklahoma producers, while showing Oklahoma’s youth there are agriculture possibilities right here at home.”
The Oklahoma Legislature has allocated more than $3 million for the effort.
How Schools and Vendors Can Apply
Schools can apply for funding now through ODAFF’s online application portal. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all dollars are used.
Producers who want to sell to schools must be ODAFF-approved vendors through the Local Food Procurement Assistance Program.
👉 Schools may only be reimbursed for purchases made through these approved vendors.
What’s Next
Applications are open now. ODAFF says demand is expected to be high and encourages schools to apply quickly.
📩 For questions, contact Brady Womack at Brady.Womack@ag.ok.gov.
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