Mary Ann, that's so generous of you and Latrina, thanks for sharing the links! I listened to the recording of the first one and found it completely unhelpful. Jean and I have been going back and forth and while very lovely, they have also not been helpful. USDA's policy is that they do not answer questions, it appears.
I am a grant writer so am very familiar with the process. What I couldn't tell definitively is if the program needs to result in local food going to student in the district.
If not, I would like to apply to put a water source and irrigation system in for our Highs School's garden - the garden supports 2 classes - Greenhouse and Greenhouse management, and is used by several science classes as well. Produce from the garden is split between the culinary program at the HS, and a local nonprofit that gets fresh local food to area shelters, foodbanks, etc.
I was considering applying under the Turnkey Edible Gardens Track - if I can get quotes in time. (As of now I can't put together a budget because we have no idea what it will cost).
Thoughts?
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Judit DeStefano
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2022 10:50:14 AM
From: Mary Anne Rishebarger
Subject: USDA FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT
Send the links and lets figure it out together. We are teachers! We can do this! Let's spend the $12 Million and make our Schools amazing outdoor classrooms.
If you start the grant and share it through google docs, we can all learn together. I have a high rate of winning grants. Let's Do this!
Happy ThanksGiving!
I'm grateful for this wonderful opportunity and all of you! What a great community!
Mary Anne Rishebarger 410-599-2860
Zero-Waste = RETHINK what you discard
Original Message:
Sent: 11/21/2022 8:43:00 PM
From: latrina patrick
Subject: RE: USDA FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT
I actually attended the live webinars two weeks ago and they were equally as frustrating. They spent an hour and 25 minutes reading a script of the various sections of the RFP. With five minutes left they answered questions, but not really. Even the questions they responded to in the chat were only answered by indicating which page of the RFP the answer could be found. They wouldn't take specific questions that were organization specific and the general questions were basically "see the RFP". I have never participated in a fed applicant workshop that was so unhelpful. It felt like they were only doing it to check off a box saying they did it. Nevertheless, I have the links from both recordings. I'm happy to share if you feel it will be helpful.
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latrina patrick
Plant Food ROCKS, Inc.
Jacksonville FL
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2022 11:34:25 AM
From: Diana Techentien
Subject: USDA FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT
Hi Judi,
I'm having similar issues. Very frustrating.
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Diana Techentien
Christ the King Catholic School
Jacksonville FL
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2022 09:38:20 AM
From: Judit DeStefano
Subject: USDA FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT
I did, yes. They just referred me to the grant docs online, which I had reviewed already...
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Judit DeStefano
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2022 09:29:31 AM
From: Michelle Zupan
Subject: USDA FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT
Hi Judit,
Did you try contacting the person listed as the Grant Contact?
--
Michelle Zupan
Curator
Hickory Hill & the Tom Watson Birthplace
502 Hickory Hill Drive
Thomson, GA 30824
706-595-7777
FAX: 706-595-7177
Follow us on Twitter: HHEducation
Original Message:
Sent: 11/21/2022 9:09:00 AM
From: Judit DeStefano
Subject: RE: USDA FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT
Has anyone on here been awarded this? Applied in the past? I am looking for some guidance and despite many email attempts, can't get hold of anyone at USDA.
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Judit DeStefano
Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 02:31:15 PM
From: Michelle Zupan
Subject: USDA FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT