The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has been awarded $667,700 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food and Nutrition Service for a unique food service project involving high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters.

FFA is a co-curricular student organization for kids interested in careers in the science, business and technology sectors of agriculture.

KDA will award six sub-grants to school districts whose teams will consist of the districts’ FFA chapters, food service professionals and University of Kentucky extension agents, including those with the university’s nutrition education Program.

The funds will allow school districts to purchase walk-in coolers and freezers to store locally-grown Farm to School products. It will also allow FFA chapters to purchase equipment to introduce or build upon the districts’ hydroponic systems, plasticulture and traditional agricultural practices.

The sub-grants will be awarded through a competitive process. School districts will receive application information in the coming weeks.