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 eligible to apply.

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. Communities that have received a garden grant from MDAC in the past are not eligible to apply for more funds at this time.

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