An additional $2.6 million will be invested in Alaska’s agricultural economy through the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, administered by the Alaska Division of Agriculture on behalf of the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service.
This fifth round of “micro” funding aims to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food products in food-insecure communities through small-scale agricultural-related projects such as gardening, herding, and livestock operations.
Eligible entities may apply now for this competitive grant opportunity, with priority given to those in rural Alaskan communities that have significant levels of food insecurity.
The grant application period runs from Sept. 27 to Nov. 26, 2024 at 5pm.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the Request for Applications (also on the Micro-Grants for Food Security website). Funding is available in four categories:
– Small-Scale Gardening Projects ($2,500)
– Small-Scale Livestock, Poultry, Fencing, and Apiary Projects ($5,000)
– Food Processing and Storage Projects ($5,000)
– Greenhouse Projects ($5,000)
“With the additional $2.6 Million invested in Alaska, these micro-grants will continue to help many Alaskans gain access to a more secure local source of food to feed themselves, their friends and local community,” said Alaska Division of Agriculture Director Bryan Scoresby. “We encourage food insecure Alaskans who could benefit from this program and are interested in agriculture-related activities to apply for this grant opportunity.”
More detailed information on the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is available through the Division of Agriculture. Applications must be submitted electronically via the SmartSimple application portal. Applicants will be notified of their status upon conclusion of the review process and approval by the USDA (est. February 2025). Successful grantees will have one year to complete their projects. The Micro-Grants for Food Security website will include the most up-to-date timelines. Applicants who did not receive funding during previous grant cycles may reapply.
Public questions: email [email protected] with “2024 MGFSP” in the subject line.
