State Farm to School trainers outlined program elements and evidence of benefits—nutrition, participation, learning—and reported that about 75% of Tennessee school food authorities ran at least one Farm to School activity, exceeding the national average.

The training listed grant and funding options—Ag in the Classroom grants ($500 first year/$250 subsequent), Whole Kids Foundation garden grants ($3,500 then $1,500), Kidsgardening grants (~$750), Waterwise grants, and large USDA Farm to School grants historically totaling about $5 million with minimum awards near $100,000 and a 25% match requirement.

At a recorded departmental training, Farm to School and grant specialist Lindsay Paul reviewed farm-to-school program components, statewide participation, procurement tips, the junior chef competition and available grants and resources.