Minnesota Ag Department Food Hub Grants Available

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Food Hub Grant Program. The intent of the program is to increase purchases of locally grown and produced food by developing and expanding food hubs and other community-based food distribution systems. In the past few years, many Minnesota communities have developed community-based approaches toward offering more locally produced foods to consumers. The Food Hub Grant can provide financial assistance to held those goals.

Nonprofit and for-profit food hubs and Farmers Market community food-based business may apply for the grants to develop or update business plans, feasibility studies or develop marketing plans. Grants can be used for equipment or physical improvements that allow more purchasing, processing and distribution of Minnesota grown and produced foods. Proposals must be submitted by April 19. There is a link on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website or call Alauna Yust at (651) 201-6629.