INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a combined $150,000 to two Indiana projects connecting school cafeterias with local farmers. 

This Old Farm Inc. in Colfax is receiving a $100,000 grant to produce and procure local products for a growing farm-to-school pilot program with two school corporations.

Also, the National FFA Organization based in Indianapolis is received a $50,000 grant to connect local youth producers and FFA members to school food buyers and to host a series of webinars focused on developing state level partnerships. 

The Indiana programs are among 82 nationwide that the USDA announced Tuesday will receive more than $5 million in grants. 

The Farm to School Program helps schools buy more food from local farmers and ranchers, expanding access to healthy local food for schoolchildren.