Farm to Food Security Grant Program

The Farm to Food Security Grant Program (F2FS), administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), is a state-funded initiative designed to combat food insecurity by facilitating the purchase and distribution of foods grown and raised within Minnesota. Created by the Minnesota Legislature and launched in 2025, the program provides competitive grants for organizations and individuals seeking to supply free, local food to residents, especially those underserved by traditional emergency food systems. Inspired by the former federal Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program, F2FS operates under a distinct identity to support local agricultural economies while addressing hunger across the state. F2FS grants are open to a broad array of applicants including individuals, nonprofits, for-profit businesses, Tribal governments, municipal or county government entities, agricultural cooperatives, economic development organizations, and educational institutions. The program explicitly excludes MDA employees and their immediate families or businesses from eligibility. All applicants must be authorized to do business in Minnesota and must pass a pre-award risk assessment. Projects must focus on acquiring food that is at least 80% grown or raised in Minnesota and distributing it free of charge within the state. Grant funds cannot be used to provide direct financial aid to individuals or to support meals under state or federal reimbursement programs such as school lunch initiatives. Eligible projects might include food shelves purchasing produce from local farmers, hospitals implementing “produce prescription” programs, or Tribal governments distributing traditional foods to elders. Distribution plans must be community-informed, and all distributions must occur within Minnesota. While grantees can utilize existing institutions such as schools or senior centers, food cannot be used to supplement federally reimbursed meal programs. A unique feature of the program is its flexibility in distribution models, allowing grantees to tailor approaches to meet specific community needs. The grant supports two categories of expenses: food costs and administrative expenses. Up to 15% of total project costs may be used for administrative needs such as transportation, storage, or staff time. Awards range from $20,000 to $100,000. Projects requesting under $50,000 do not require a match. However, grants between $50,000 and $100,000 must provide a 1:1 cash match on the amount above $50,000. In-kind contributions are not considered acceptable match sources. Grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2028. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. CT on March 31, 2026. Submissions must be completed through MDA’s online portal, where new users must first create an account. Applicants may contact MDA at [email protected] or 651-201-6500 with questions not addressed in the RFP or Q&A page. Program questions will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. CT on March 24, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. The evaluation process will be conducted in two phases: initial scoring based on project criteria, and a pre-award risk assessment. Reviewers will prioritize projects that source 100% of food from Minnesota producers, and particularly those sourcing 70% or more from farmers with limited land or market access. Additional points are awarded for projects offering written purchasing agreements to farmers, providing technical assistance, diversifying product types, and serving underserved populations. Award decisions are expected by June–July 2026, with projects commencing in July and public announcements in September. Contracts may not be extended past June 30, 2028. Applicants are expected to maintain compliance with Minnesota laws, adhere to transparency and reporting requirements, and safeguard against conflicts of interest. All materials associated with the application, including supporting letters and budget justifications, must be specific to the proposed project. Evaluation scores will reflect organizational capacity, procurement and distribution strategies, budget realism, and alignment with program priorities.

Prioritize sourcing from Minnesota farmers, especially those with limited land/market access. Include formal contracts and strong food safety plans. Avoid vague pricing or sourcing methods.