Farm to School Grant Administrator Full Time

The Farm to School Grant Administrator will support the administration and implementation of a USDA Farm to School grant. This role is responsible for ensuring successful execution of grant activities, maintaining compliance with USDA reporting and financial requirements. Ideal candidates have experience in administering a federal USDA grant and have sincere mission in the effort and grant objectives outlined below. This is a part-time contract, estimated 10 hours a week, over the course of a 18-month program timeline.

Background: The Foundation for Food and Farm Connections (FFFC) has been awarded a $151,800 USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant to expand its Mo Beef Kids program and support schools in navigating the complexities of sourcing local protein.

Mo Beef Kids started as an effort of the Missouri Beef Industry Council and the Missouri Department of Agriculture to beef up school lunches and source Missouri beef—highlighting Missouri’s role as a leading beef-producing state.

The Powered by Protein project will build on the foundation of Mo Beef Kids, expanding nutrition education and supporting both rural and urban districts with regional foodservice and producer trainings. FFFC will partner with a group of schools across the state to provide targeted technical assistance and underscore their existing programs as pilots for school expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Administration & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all USDA guidelines, timelines, and reporting requirements
• Maintain organized records of grant activities, budgets, and documentation
• Track deliverables and ensure milestones are met on schedule

Program Coordination

• Support implementation of farm to school activities (procurement, education, outreach)
• Assist with stakeholder communication and engagement

Reporting & Evaluation

• Collect and track program data and outcomes
• Prepare and submit required USDA reports (progress, financial, final reports)
• Support evaluation efforts and document program impact
• Identify challenges and recommend improvements for program success

Financial & Administrative Support

• Assist with budget tracking and expense documentation
• Coordinate invoices, reimbursements, and grant-related expenditures
• Support audits or reviews as needed

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience working with grants, including compliance and reporting
• Strong organizational and project management skills

Preferred:

• Experience with USDA or federal grants
• Familiarity with Farm to School programs or local food systems
• Experience working with schools, nonprofits, or government agencies
• Data tracking and reporting experience

Key Skills & Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Self-motivated as part of a small, but mighty remote team

How to Apply

• Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your experience administering federal grants to Luella Gregory, at Luella@beef.school. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.