Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program

The Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program is a community-based funding initiative established in 2018 by Menomonie Market Food Co-op (MMFC), a cooperative organization committed to supporting regional agriculture and food systems in West Central Wisconsin. The program is rooted in the co-op’s broader mission of cultivating a thriving, sustainable, and resilient local foodshed. It is designed specifically to uplift farmers, food producers, and small local businesses by providing targeted funding that supports business growth, infrastructure, and operational sustainability. The geographic focus includes applicants within 100 miles of either MMFC's Menomonie or Eau Claire store locations. Funding for the program is primarily generated through the co-op’s Round Up for Good program, which enables MMFC shoppers to round up their purchases at checkout as a means of contributing to the grant fund. Additional funds are contributed directly by MMFC. Each spring, grants of up to $6,000 are awarded to support projects that facilitate equipment purchases, infrastructure upgrades, operational enhancements, and other critical business needs that drive local food production and processing. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria to apply. They must be established farmers, producers, or processors operating within the 100-mile radius of MMFC’s two store locations. Businesses must have been operational for at least 12 months before applying and must not have received more than $1,000 in any form of grant, product, or in-kind support from MMFC in the previous two years. All proposed projects must be capable of being completed by September 1, 2026. The grants cannot be used for employee wages but may cover a broad range of allowable uses such as construction, supplies (including plant material, animals, and feed), equipment, services, or infrastructure. Applications are reviewed and selected by a rotating grant committee composed of MMFC board members, staff, owners, and past grant recipients. The committee evaluates applications using a defined set of criteria. Priority is given to projects that expand food production or distribution, increase efficiency or profitability through equipment purchases, or enhance environmental sustainability. Additional preference is granted to agricultural producers and those working collaboratively with local vendors or contributing to the regional agricultural economy. Awardees benefit not only from financial support but also receive in-kind promotional services including professional photography and multimedia publicity. Grantees are expected to participate in co-op events such as the Spring Reception and Fall Harvest Dinners and are required to acknowledge MMFC as the funder through their own publicity channels. They must also comply with MMFC’s non-discrimination policy and allow MMFC staff to visit their operations for storytelling and promotional purposes. The 2026 application is currently open and must be submitted online by midnight on February 16, 2026. Award announcements will be made by March 18, 2026. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Measha, MMFC’s Outreach and Education Coordinator, via email at [email protected] or phone at (715) 552-3366, Ext. 309.

Complete applications aligned with MMFC values and sustainability goals are prioritized. Thoroughness is critical.