Food Hubs and Farm Stops Grant Program

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has introduced the Food Hubs and Farm Stops Grant Program under its innovative Farm to Family initiative. MDARD is a state agency dedicated to promoting food safety, animal and plant health, environmental stewardship, and rural economic development throughout Michigan. This new grant initiative was launched in response to community feedback gathered from farmers and stakeholders across the state, underscoring the need to reinforce local food infrastructure and improve access to fresh, locally sourced produce. The program targets two key components of Michigan's food ecosystem: food hubs and farm stops. Food hubs serve as essential intermediaries in local food systems, enabling small-scale producers to access larger institutional markets through coordinated aggregation, distribution, and marketing services. They enhance farmers' ability to scale up production and increase income, particularly through streamlined logistics and access to buyers such as schools, hospitals, and restaurants. Meanwhile, farm stops act as community-focused retail spaces that operate on a consignment model, allowing producers to set prices and retain ownership of their goods until sold. These year-round, mission-driven outlets support customer education, transparent sourcing, and equitable market access for small farmers. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for projects that aim to expand service delivery, enhance distribution capacity, invest in food processing or storage equipment, or create new pathways for local market access. Eligible expenditures include equipment purchases, POS systems, food storage and processing tools, and refrigerated vehicles. However, salaries, wages, benefits, and travel costs are not eligible for funding. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the total award. Applications must be submitted in whole dollar amounts and are encouraged to demonstrate measurable outcomes, such as increased food throughput, economic returns for farmers, geographic reach of agricultural sourcing, and consumer impact. Applicants must be either Michigan-based food hubs listed in the Michigan Food Hub Network Directory or Michigan-based farm stops meeting the program’s definitions. Only one application per organization is permitted. Applicants must also be registered in the SIGMA Vendor Self-Service system and submit their applications via the MiAgGrants portal. The application window opens on January 21, 2025, and closes on February 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Incomplete submissions or failure to follow portal instructions may result in disqualification. The evaluation process begins shortly after the submission deadline, with reviews projected from February 22 through April 1, 2025. Final award announcements are expected between June and July 2025. Grantees are required to submit written reports and financial documentation to MDARD, and may be asked to provide updates on project outcomes for up to three years following the grant period. All recipients must comply with state non-discrimination policies and ensure that their operations reflect inclusivity and transparency. For technical issues related to the application system, applicants are advised to contact the MDARD Customer Service Center or the designated system administrator, Muneeb Khan. Detailed resources and guides are available at the official MDARD grants webpage. This program is part of a broader state effort to strengthen regional food systems, support small farms, and increase equitable food access across Michigan communities.

Must complete all sections and confirm submission in MiAgGrants to move from in-progress to submitted.