Department of Agriculture

Supporting Arkansas farmers and ranchers while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of Arkansas, the nation, and across the globe

Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program

The Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program was established to help schools lead cafeteria taste tests of locally grown specialty crops. The grant program was developed using funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Program to increase the production and consumption of specialty crops in schools. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture awards grants to public and private K-12 schools, early childhood education facilities, and alternative learning environments to purchase kitchen equipment and utensils, serving materials, and specialty crop seeds and plants to support taste tests.

The application period is closed and the timeline for the next grant cycle is to be determined.

For additional help and support, contact:
Jessica Chapman
Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator
jessica.chapman@agriculture.arkansas.gov
(501) 251-3019

Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program Recipients!

The 2022-2023 Taste Test Grant Program provided $4,750 to 19 schools, early childhood education facilities, and alternative learning environments across 17 counties. Recipients ranged from schools hosting their first taste tests to schools receiving additional support for their regularly hosted taste tests. Find a map of previous Arkansas Taste Test Grant winners here.

  • Cabot Middle School - Cabot
  • Central Elementary - Batesville
  • Crossett Pre-K - Crossett
  • Harrison High School - Harrison
  • Hope Academy of Public Service - Hope
  • Hugh Goodwin Elementary - El Dorado
  • Manila Elementary - Manila
  • Mansfield High School - Mansfield
  • Marion Math Science & Tech - Marion
  • Mineral Springs - Mineral Springs
  • Nu Beginnings Child Care LLC - Location unspecified
  • Oakdale Middle - Rogers
  • Ozark Junior High - Ozark
  • Pinnacle View Middle School - Little Rock
  • Pulaski Heights Elementary - Little Rock
  • Quitman - Quitman
  • Salem Elementary School - Salem
  • Stagecoach Elementary - Little Rock
  • The Centers - Little Rock