If you have questions regarding the garden grant programs, please contact Susan Lawrence, 601-213-7542 or Susan@mdac.ms.gov .
School Garden Grant:
Growing Lunch is a school garden grant program administered through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce with the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Eligible schools can receive a grant up to $500 to purchase supplies needed to plant a school garden. This program will act as an educational tool to enhance the knowledge of school-aged children on agriculture, healthy eating, and how food arrives on their plate three times a day. As society becomes increasingly further away from agricultural practices and the farm, it remains pertinent to educate students on the origin of their food.
All schools, K-12, and pre-schools in the State of Mississippi are eligible to apply. Schools that already have a school garden may apply to further their production. It is encouraged that schools applying have support from their local extension office or Master Gardeners. This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Only one grant can be awarded per school. Schools must fill out the application and have a dedicated coordinator. Schools that have received a Growing Lunch grant from MDAC in the past are not eligible to apply for more funds at this time.
» Growing Lunch School Garden Grant Application (DOCX)
Community Garden Grant:
Let’s Plant is a community garden grant program administered through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce with the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Community organizations, non-profits, and city/county governments in the state of Mississippi are eligible to apply for funds up to $750. Grants cannot be awarded to an individual and must be in a common or community area. Communities are eligible to apply to further expand an existing community garden or to request funds to create a community garden.
This program is on a first come, first serve basis.
» Let’s Plant Community Garden Grant Application (DOCX)
Please complete all forms and return (mail or email) to the following:
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce
Marketing Development Division
Susan Lawrence – Garden Grants
P O Box 1609
Jackson, MS 39215
Susan@mdac.ms.gov
