The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) administers the Food Safety Education Fund Grants under the authority of the Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117. This legislation mandates the establishment of a food safety education fund aimed at improving food safety practices through education and training. The fund receives its financial resources through mandatory assessments ranging from $3.00 to $5.00 on food establishment licenses. MDARD is a state government department that ensures food safety, animal and plant health, environmental stewardship, and consumer protection across Michigan.
The purpose of the Food Safety Education Fund is twofold: to support consumer education on food safety, and to provide training for food service establishment employees and the agents of the MDARD director who enforce the Michigan Food Law. For the 2025-2026 grant cycle, a total of $356,600 is available, with $242,500 designated for consumer education and $114,100 allocated for training food service personnel and enforcement agents. This cycle's grants will run from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and multi-year proposals may be considered depending on funding availability in future years.
Grants may range in size with historical awards typically falling between $5,000 and $75,000. Proposals are evaluated based on specific criteria including alignment with food safety goals, demonstration of statewide need, measurable outcomes, partnership with other organizations, matching funds, and potential to build upon past funded projects. This is a cost-reimbursement grant program, with up to four reimbursements allowed during the grant period following proper submission and review of reports and financial documentation.
Eligible applicants include Michigan-based governmental and nonprofit organizations. Proposals that include subgrantees are accepted. However, individuals, producers, marketers, processors, and growers are not eligible. Additionally, proposals should not request funds for routine training such as HACCP or ServSafe certifications. Applications must follow the instructions provided in the official grant application form, which is available electronically on MDARD’s website.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 3:00 PM on Monday, June 16, 2025. Hard copy submissions must be postmarked no later than June 12, 2025. MDARD will confirm receipt of electronic proposals via email. Proposal evaluations will take place in July and August 2025, with awards announced in September 2025. For assistance, applicants may contact the Food Safety Education Fund grants manager via email at MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov or by phone at 517-420-3249.
