Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP)

The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) is administered by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) with the purpose of enhancing food security across the state. The program focuses on increasing the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding and livestock, and apiary operations. Funding is competitively distributed as subawards to eligible individuals and organizations within the state of Hawai‘i, allowing communities to build capacity in food production and improve access to nutritious food. Eligible applicants include individuals, Indian Tribes or tribal organizations, nonprofits involved in food security, federally funded educational facilities, and local or tribal governments that are unable to levy local taxes under State or Federal law. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and located within the state of Hawai‘i. Individuals are eligible for fixed subawards of $5,000, while organizations are eligible for $10,000 awards but must comply with additional requirements such as insurance and a 10% cash match. Applicants must choose one project category—Gardening, Herding and Livestock, or Apiaries—and complete a PDF fillable form when the application portal becomes available. The application includes checkbox prompts regarding project type, estimated food production, and beneficiaries, along with a required descriptive project plan. Submissions will be reviewed by both the USDA and HDOA, and award notifications are anticipated in early 2026, with funds distributed in Summer 2026. The application opening originally scheduled for October 20, 2025, has been suspended due to the recent federal government shutdown, with updates pending from USDA officials. The application period for the previous cycle ran from July 10 to August 12, 2024, which may inform future timelines. Priority will be given to first-time applicants. Subawardees will undertake a 12-month project period and are required to submit performance reports documenting food production, expenditures, and beneficiaries. FY24 and FY23 participants submit a final report only, while FY22 participants are required to complete both interim and final reports. Reports must include supporting documents such as photos and receipts and should be submitted using provided digital forms. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact hdoa.md.microgrants@hawaii.gov or call (808) 973-9594. The program office is located at the Market Development Branch, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, 1428 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96814-2512.

Ensure all details are accurate before submitting; only the most recent submission will be accepted; estimate harvest realistically; explain how tools/items directly support food production.