Growing Together: Open Forum

Hello! 

Does anyone know of anywhere the USDA gives quidance on the use of school food service funds for hydroponic towers and any stipulations around that or other Farm to School focused equipment?

Thanks so much! 

Hi Sophie,

The following USDA resources outline the allowance of garden supplies and equipment:

• SP 06 - 2015 Farm to School and School Garden Expenses
• SP 32-2009 School Garden Q&As
• USDA-FNS School Gardens Fact Sheet

Essentially, if the garden is used within the context of the school meal programs and serves the purpose of operating and improving the school meal program, supplies and equipment for the school garden may be purchased with funds from the nonprofit school food service account. In this case, the products grown or raised in the school garden would be donated to the cafeteria to be used in meal preparation and/or for taste testing purposes.  

Obviously, the Food Service director would need to be on board with spending their non-profit food service account funds on hydroponic towers. 

Here are some other ideas about funding the towers.