eligible school
(1) In general (A) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Eligible program The term “eligible program” means— (I) a school-based program with hands-on vegetable gardening and nutrition education that is incorporated into the curriculum for 1 or more grades at 2 or more eligible schools; or (II) a community-based summer program with hands-on vegetable gardening and nutrition education that is part of, or coordinated with, a summer enrichment program at 2 or more eligible schools. (ii) Eligible school The term “eligible school” means a public school, at least 50 percent of the students of which are eligible for free or reduced price meals under this chapter. (B) Establishment The Secretary shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide to nonprofit organizations or public entities in not more than 5 States grants to develop and run, through eligible programs, community gardens at eligible schools in the States that would— (i) be planted, cared for, and harvested by students at the eligible schools; and (ii) teach the students participating in the community gardens about agriculture production practices and diet. (C) Priority States Of the States in which grantees under this paragraph are located— (i) at least 1 State shall be among the 15 largest States, as determined by the Secretary; (ii) at least 1 State shall be among the 16th to 30th largest States, as determined by the Secretary; and (iii) at least 1 State shall be a State that is not described in clause (i) or (ii). (D) Use of produce Produce from a community garden provided a grant under this paragraph may be— (i) used to supplement food provided at the eligible school; (ii) distributed to students to bring home to the families of the students; or (iii) donated to a local food bank or senior center nutrition program. (E) No cost-sharing requirement A nonprofit organization or public entity that receives a grant under this paragraph shall not be required to share the cost of carrying out the activities assisted under this paragraph. (F) Evaluation A nonprofit organization or public entity that receives a grant under this paragraph shall be required to cooperate in an evaluation carried out by the Secretary.