Food Security and Wisconsin Products Program

The 2026 Food Security and Wisconsin Products Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). This initiative stems from the 2025–2027 Wisconsin State Budget, which allocated $5 million annually to support food security across the state. The program is guided by Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. ATCP 163 and follows the state's policies for agricultural development grants. Its purpose is to bolster food access by funding nonprofit organizations that procure and distribute Wisconsin-grown or processed food to communities in need throughout the state. The program supports nonprofit food assistance organizations, including food banks and pantries, by reimbursing them for the purchase of food products that meet the state's definition of a Wisconsin Food Product—defined as at least 51 percent produced or processed within Wisconsin. All foods must be sourced from Wisconsin farmers, processors, or local food distributors. Organizations are encouraged to partner in consortia to maximize impact and expand access across Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Each applicant must demonstrate the ability to purchase, track, and distribute food effectively and equitably. This is a reimbursement-only grant with no match requirement. Awardees must submit documentation, including receipts and proof of payment, for eligible expenses. Only food procurement is covered. Costs such as distribution, staffing, outreach, and administrative expenses are ineligible. Projects may not seek reimbursement for work performed prior to the contract start date, and funding cannot overlap with other state or federal funding sources for the same activities. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on November 5, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed and scored by a committee using a 100-point system based on project justification, partnerships, work plan, impact, project management, evaluation, and budget clarity. Top-scoring applications will be selected, with final notifications sent by December 12, 2025. The anticipated start date for funded projects is February 1, 2026, and all projects must conclude by December 1, 2026. All applicants must designate a primary contact and a contract signer with authority to execute agreements. Semi-annual and final reports are required and must detail how much food was purchased, its origin, and distribution outcomes. Projects receiving over $100,000 must submit a verified financial statement reviewed by a certified public accountant. DATCP reserves the right to conduct audits, request additional information, and perform site visits throughout and following the project term. Questions about the program can be directed to Ben Becker, Ag Program Supervisor (EDIC), at datcpdadgrants@wisconsin.gov or (608) 320-6685. Full application materials and templates are available on the DATCP Food Security Initiative webpage.

Submit early; Ensure all foods meet the 51% Wisconsin origin requirement; Include documentation of all partnerships; Provide clear budget linking to food-only expenses