State Food and Nutrition Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is currently accepting applications for grant projects under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program (RFSI). Donor Name: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture State: Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The RFSI program will transform the food system to benefit consumers, producers, and rural communities by providing more options, increasing access, and creating new, more, and better markets for small and mid-size producers. To be more resilient, the food system of the future needs to be more diversified, distributed, and local. Funding Priorities The USDA encourages projects that benefit underserved farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, veteran producers, and processors and other middle of the supply chain businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals, as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will prioritize funding projects that pertain to the following gaps identified in the middle of the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Aggregation Points – Aggregation points, include food hubs or farmer cooperatives to help individual producers fulfill bigger orders while saving costs on storage, packaging, and distribution. Food Processing Infrastructure – As Pennsylvanian food processors look to expand their production capacities by adding product types, increasing production volumes, or increasing packaging and labeling capacities for retail product lines, they need to upgrade equipment and often need to move to a licensed space outside of their homes. Food processing infrastructure also includes large-scale commercial equipment. Storage – In Pennsylvania, more storage is needed to hold produce to be washed and distributed. Limited cold storage is available in urban areas. More storage is also needed to segregate and supply identity preserved grains, whole grains, and dry bean for human consumption to processing plants in Pennsylvania. Funding Information Simplified Equipment-Only Grants will range in value from a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $100,000 and do not require cost sharing or matching. The Simplified Equipment-Only Grant is a fixed price grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases (and not associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs), and the amount awarded will be equal to the cost of the equipment up to $100,000. Funds will be awarded no earlier than July 1, 2024, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Eligibility Criteria  The following are eligible to apply for grants under the Program: Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors. Nonprofit organizations operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. For-profit entities operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products, whose activities are primarily focused for the benefit of local and regional producers and that meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards. Local government entities operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. Tribal governments operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. Institutions such as schools, universities or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or investing in equipment that will benefit multiple producers’ middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. For-profit entities must meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards matched to industries described in the North American Industry Classification System. Applicant businesses and organizations must be domestically owned and applicants’ facilities must be physically located within this Commonwealth. Applicants doing business along the Commonwealth’s border should only apply in one state to avoid duplication of Federal funds. For more information, visit PDA.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of  Nutrition and Physical Activity (BNPA) administers funds provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the operation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program (BFPC) for the State of Arizona. The USDA nutrition programs are discretionary, and each provides a specific service to women, infants, and children who are low-income and at nutritional risk. The overall goal of all the USDA Nutrition Programs is to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing eligible participants access to nourishing food and supportive nutrition education. ADHS is working with the counties to provide WIC services, and this opportunity is to provide additional community support as needed.  Financial Notes: N/A

The Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, initially established by House Bill 110 of the 134th Ohio General Assembly and further funded by House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, is designed to support Ohio livestock and poultry producers. This program offers grants up to $500,000 to assist in the improvement and expansion of meat harvesting/processing services. These grants aim to enhance processing efficiency and support the expansion or construction of facilities on existing sites. Administered by the Ohio Department of Development, eligible businesses must be for-profit entities operating a Federal or State registered meat harvesting/processing facility in Ohio as of July 1, 2023. Funding can cover a range of costs associated with plant construction/expansion and the purchase of new/upgraded machinery or technology, excluding personnel costs, land purchases, and non-eligible expenses. A total of $14 million in funds is available for Fiscal Year 2024, with grants covering no more than 65% of project costs, requiring matching funds for the remainder. Grant renewed every year.

Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Simplified Equipment-Only Grants are designed to support Pennsylvania's food system transformation. These grants, focusing on equipment purchases for small to mid-size producers and processors, aim to diversify, distribute, and localize food systems to enhance consumer access, producer options, and rural community markets. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, requiring no cost sharing. Eligible equipment expenses include purchase costs, delivery, and installation if included in the official bid. Applications are accepted electronically, with project completion required by June 30, 2026.

The Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) is a reimbursement grant program aimed at supporting produce and aquaculture operations to enhance their food safety practices. The program's primary goal is to minimize microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses risks, thereby expanding market access for the operations. To be eligible, applicants must be produce or aquaculture operations as defined, own or lease the property for the project, be legally recognized within the Commonwealth, and have been managed as a commercial enterprise for at least three years prior to application. Applications are due by May 24, 2024, at 4:00 PM. The grant encompasses a comprehensive review process, including a Request for Response (RFR) outlining grant criteria, timelines, and expectations. Award decisions will be based on these criteria, and successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), with reimbursements made upon project completion and submission of required documentation.

The Rhode Island Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Partnerships for Success (PFS) program is specifically tailored to address gaps in alcohol and marijuana use prevention among youth and young adults aged 12-18 in certain communities. These communities include Newport, Tiverton, Burrillville, and Exeter-West Greenwich, identified as high-need areas for prevention efforts. The program, administered by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), collaborates with local community prevention providers to implement evidence-based programming aimed at reducing underage and problematic use of alcohol and marijuana among middle and high school students. Eligible applicants for funding include: Local government entities Academic institutions Non-profit organizations Other relevant agencies Schools/school districts Applicants are required to implement one or more preapproved evidence-based practices from a provided list. The aim is to ensure that interventions are grounded in proven strategies for effectiveness. Key details of the funding opportunity: Funds Available: $200,000.00 Award Amount: $50,000.00 (minimum and maximum) Number of Awards: 4 Average Award Size: $50,000.00 Matching Required: No Through this targeted initiative, the Rhode Island SPF PFS program seeks to empower local stakeholders and organizations to address substance abuse prevention needs in their communities effectively. By providing funding, training, and technical assistance, BHDDH aims to support the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies tailored to the unique challenges and needs of each identified community.

The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant program provides grants of up to $10,000 to for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, eligible municipalities, and schools/colleges, for short-term waste reduction projects. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects must focus on reducing waste generation and prolonging the lifespan of products via donation, rescue, reuse and/or repair in Massachusetts. Funding Information Individual Micro-Grants have a maximum award of $10,000, with a total available budget up to $125,000. MassDEP reserves the right to award more or less than the full budget available for this program. Eligible Expenses Grant funds may be used for costs associated with developing and implementing the proposed project such as, equipment, signage, outreach/education, event space rental fees, event marketing/promotion, professional services (e.g., legal, engineering, design) and new personnel (consultants, contractors, or staff that will dedicate additional hours to the proposed project for a specified and finite period of time). Eligible Projects  Eligible projects include but are not limited to: Purchase inventory technology or other software to increase operational efficiencies. Examples include inventory management systems, online market-place platform development, environmental benefits calculators, and reporting systems. Develop or expand programs to collect and redistribute reusable clothing, footwear, bedding, electronics, home goods, and other items via social service agency networks, furniture banks, schools, and institutions. Develop reusable transport packaging systems that replace limited-life packaging used in manufacturing, transportation and/or distribution with durable alternatives designed for many years of use. Examples include the replacement of cardboard boxes with reusable hand-held plastic totes or crates and switching to reusable pallet wraps instead of using disposable plastic film used to secure loads onto pallets. Convert from single-use to reusable food service ware at schools, food service businesses, or institutional cafeterias (e.g., dishwashers, electrical, plumbing, minor kitchen modifications and/or reusable dishware). Note: Purchase of food service ware for establishing a new program/new construction is excluded. Install bulk dispensing systems in commercial, retail and/or hospitality settings for food, beverages, personal care products (soap, shampoo, lotion), or cleaning products. Projects must replace single-use packaging. Develop or expand programs to repair used furniture, appliances, electronics, bicycles, or durable household goods for resale or distribution. May include purchase of tools and supplies and/or set-up of training program. Develop textile/clothing/footwear repair programs, at or in conjunction with a second-hand goods retailer or distributor. Creation or expansion of food donation collection, storage, and distribution programs (e.g., purchase of community fridge or pantry at a community center for food rescue distribution). Develop community repair training or apprenticeship program for home goods, textiles, clothing, footwear, electronics, bicycles, etc. Develop and host trainings on deconstruction techniques targeting the construction industry, tech/carpentry schools, or individuals engaged in building and renovation work. Conduct a deconstruction pilot program involving one or more buildings (municipal or private). Promote recovery and resale of used building materials in remodel, renovation, and new construction projects to close the loop and reduce waste. Develop/expand and promote community tool-lending libraries or Library of Things. Develop and/or promote statewide community repair or fix-it events for the general public; set up a community repair space. Eligible Applicants An organization or business (for-profit or non-profit) properly licensed to do business in Massachusetts. A regional entity, such as a solid waste management district, solid waste/recycling cooperative or regional planning authority, as long as the entity is recognized as a governmental body under Mass General Laws. An individual Massachusetts city or town, or a MA municipality acting as a lead for a multi-town regional initiative. Pre-K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, both public and private. For more information, visit MassDEP.

This program provides financial assistance to low-income families to improve their homes' energy efficiency, helping them save on energy costs while ensuring their health and safety.

This program provides funding to public school districts and area career and technical schools for necessary improvements to their facilities.

This funding program provides financial support to local agencies that help low-income individuals and families improve their living conditions and access essential services.

This program provides financial assistance to low-income families to improve their home's energy efficiency, helping them save on energy costs while ensuring their health and safety.

This program provides financial support to municipalities for revitalizing underutilized areas, creating jobs, and boosting local economies through the development of designated zones.

The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs Financial Info: The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs

The COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program supports the efforts of local organizations in Pennsylvania conducting grassroots outreach to communities about COVID-19 vaccines. Organizations will work to educate their communities on COVID-19 vaccines to improve usage of the vaccine, and overall, the health and safety of Pennsylvania. This program will engage and provide the necessary funding to community organizations to educate their community regarding COVID-19 vaccination to address hesitancy concerns and barriers. The COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program is a federally funded program. Applicants will need a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number in order to apply for funding and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to receive funding under the program. To register for a DUNS number please visit Dun & Bradstreet website. To obtain a SAM number, visit the SAM website. Dun & Bradstreet website SAM website For general questions about the program, reporting, reimbursement, or outreach efforts in Philadelphia, visit the Vaccine Outreach Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions webpage. Vaccine Outreach Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions webpage Financial Info: The COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program supports the efforts of local organizations in Pennsylvania conducting grassroots outreach to communities about COVID-19 vaccines. Organizations will work to educate their communities on COVID-19 vaccines to improve usage of the vaccine, and overall, the health and safety of Pennsylvania. This program will engage and provide the necessary funding to community organizations to educate their community regarding COVID-19 vaccination to address hesitancy concerns and barriers. The COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program is a federally funded program. Applicants will need a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number in order to apply for funding and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to receive funding under the program. To register for a DUNS number please visit Dun & Bradstreet website. To obtain a SAM number, visit the SAM website. Dun & Bradstreet website SAM website For general questions about the program, reporting, reimbursement, or outreach efforts in Philadelphia, visit the Vaccine Outreach Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions webpage. Vaccine Outreach Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions webpage

This program provides financial guarantees to support local governments and developers in revitalizing underutilized properties and stimulating economic growth in communities across the Commonwealth.

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program seeks to ensure that farmers, commercial fishermen, and other local food producers are better engaged with a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate food supply and distribution disruptions, as well as to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, with a focus on food that is produced locally. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Projects to enhance equitable access to food for individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on food that is produced locally. The FSIG program (“Program”) also seeks to ensure that farmers, fisherman, and other local food producers are better connected to markets in a strong, resilient food system, and that they have the infrastructure needed to produce and distribute healthy food efficiently and safely. Providing greater, more equitable access to local food and strengthening the role of local food in the Commonwealth’s food system is an important goal of the Program. Local food is defined through this Program as food which is grown/produced and distributed within the Commonwealth. The local food system is a network of consumers, workers, businesses, owners, and supporting organizations engaged in an array of activities, including fishing, farming, preparing, marketing, distributing, serving, and eating food. This network works to produce and distribute food that nourishes the communities, sustains businesses and workers, and supports responsible stewardship of the land, water, and other natural resources. Funding Information Part I: Agriculture Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Part II: Local Food System Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects must be capital improvements including the purchase of equipment and contracted labor costs in order to implement projects, or costs associated with planning and design directly related to capital projects that will allow applicants to strengthen and improve the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s food system while allowing greater access to fresh, local food in a way that addresses systemic inequities. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants may be individuals, for-profit, or non-profit entities. Municipalities and other governmental entities may also be eligible to apply, provided all necessary requirements to submit an application can be met, the ability to utilize funding can be demonstrated, and the entity has the ability to enter into a contract with MDAR. For more information, visit MDAR.

This program provides funding to Pennsylvania vegetable producers for marketing and research initiatives to improve vegetable cultivation and sales.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grant funding for establishment of an incentive grant program used by eligible entities to attract new out-of-state events to Illinois when competing with other states’ destinations. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: The program can be developed at the local level and may include, but not limited to: Event space/venue rental: Room rental, event staging – build, setup, trussing, lighting, pipe and draping, power and sound, security, traffic control. If the applicant is a venue that owns the facility and controls any assets outlined in this example those costs are not allowable. Event rentals: Tables, seating, décor, tents, dinnerware, flatware, glassware, linens Food/Beverage: Meals, beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages), service labor fees Audio/Visual Support: Microphones, screens/projectors, other specialized equipment, internet access, service labor fees Entertainment (as part of an otherwise planned event): Speakers, DJs, performing acts Registration & Event Management: Event management technology software that handles online event registration; virtual, hybrid and onsite solutions and attendee engagement Transportation: Shuttle service provided to move overnight guests to and from the event/venue space on a master account (individual guest receipts are not eligible). Shuttle service to pick up overnight guests at the airport and drop them off at the hotel and vice versa upon the conclusion of the meeting/event; this is for guests on a master account as individual guest receipts are not eligible. Bid fees associated with attracting a new event to Illinois Room night credits that are actualized, contracted, revenue-generating group room nights directly sourced by the bureau and must exceed 300 for outside the City of Chicago and 5000 for the City of Chicago Performance Goals and Measures Program goals or performance measures must include, but not limited to: Estimated hotel room nights booked as a result of the events. Economic impact of the events. Attract or retain events to Illinois that would not have otherwise occurred in Illinois. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $15,000,000. Awards will range from $50,000 to $5,000,000. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be January 25th, 2024 through January 31st, 2029. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants include Unit of local government Local promotion group, Not-for-profit organization; For-profit organization; Convention center authority For more information, visit DCEO.

The Texans Feeding Texans Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program aims to supplement and extend current home-delivered meal programs for seniors and/or disabled Texans. Eligible entities include governmental and non-profit agencies. The program involves counties making qualifying grants to meal providers based on a rate of $0.25 per county senior as reported in the 2020 census. Meal providers must receive a grant from the county, deliver meals to homebound elderly or disabled individuals, and complete a required application. The Texas Department of Agriculture facilitates the funding process.

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID) Infrastructure Grant Program provides grants of up to $50,000 per grant to political subdivisions for community infrastructure development projects that support local food production and sustainable agriculture. The grants are awarded competitively, paid out as reimbursements, and require matching funds. Projects that may be considered include processing facilities, farmers markets, food hubs, and other agricultural aggregation facilities. Priority is given to projects that benefit multiple small-scale agricultural producers and projects located in economically distressed communities. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the Commonwealth, such as Counties, Cities, Towns, Industrial and Economic Development Authorities, or Planning District Commissions. Matching funds are required, with a dollar of matching funds required for every dollar requested. The matching funds can be a combination of applicant match and other match, with applicant match consisting of local cash match and local in-kind match. Other match can come from federal grant awards, contributions from non-profit organizations, or funds from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Reduced match requirements are available for projects in economically distressed localities and for projects benefiting multiple small-scale agricultural producers at shared-use facilities. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry will make funding recommendations to the Governor and determine how and when grant applications are reviewed and awards made. There will be two funding rounds each fiscal year, with specific application periods and award announcement dates. Awards will be made on a competitive basis, with criteria including the expected impact of the project, likelihood of success, support from the agricultural community, and demonstration of sustainable agriculture practices. Grant awardees have two years to complete their deliverables and are required to submit interim and final grant reports. The completed application can be emailed or submitted by mail to Genette Harris at the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline:October 1st to November 15th April 1st to May 15th