# New York State Launches School Food Infrastructure Grants

New York State has announced the availability of **$10 million** in Round 4 funding through the Regional School Food Infrastructure (RSFI) Grant Program to support K-12 schools in the Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and Finger Lakes. This funding targets capital projects that enhance the purchase, preparation, and distribution of New York-grown foods, including investments in aggregation, storage, and commissary kitchen facilities. Proposals are due by **January 22, 2027**, providing a clear timeline for schools and vendors to engage in this opportunity.

- The program aims to strengthen local food systems, reduce food insecurity, and expand market opportunities for New York farmers by enabling schools to cook meals from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Procurement professionals should note the focus on capital infrastructure projects, which may require coordination with construction, equipment suppliers, and food service providers.
- This grant opportunity signals increased state investment in sustainable food sourcing and infrastructure, encouraging vendors specializing in food storage, kitchen equipment, and food distribution to prepare competitive proposals.
- Schools and contractors should align proposals with the program’s goals to enhance local sourcing and food system resilience to maximize funding potential.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
- New York State

### Key Quotes
> The RSFI program is a huge part of this work, providing the funding our partners need to prepare and cook nutritious meals for our kids using fresh ingredients grown and produced in New York. The result is food that tastes homemade and delicious, food that kids want to eat, that keeps them fueled and ready to learn, and by buying it locally, we are also providing more market opportunities for New York farmers.
> — Kathy Hochul, Governor

> Thanks to our Governor, the progress already being made through the RSFI program is incredible. Six of our regions across the State are actively working on projects that ensure that our schools have the equipment they need to cook from scratch and use ingredients made by our farmers and producers. With this next round of funding being made available, we can reach even more students and provide additional opportunities for our farmers to get their local food items directly into our communities and support our local food system.
> — Richard A. Ball, Agriculture Commissioner

> This grant program is critical to providing the capital funding schools need to implement that infrastructure - and, in turn, that helps our farmers gain reliable, in-state markets for their high-quality products. I’m proud to champion this program, and encourage all eligible schools to apply.
> — Michelle Hinchey, State Senator

### Sources
- [Governor Hochul Announces $10 Million Available to Support the Purchase and Preparation of New York Foods in New York Schools | Governor Kathy Hochul | New York State](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-10-million-available-support-purchase-and-preparation-new-york-foods) - NY