Minnesota Department of Agriculture Grants

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting grant applications until March 4, 2018 through the Good Food Access Program. The grant applications are for projects designed to improve access to nutritious, affordable and culturally appropriate foods that would include fresh fruits and vegetables for underserved communities in low and moderate income areas. The grants will help organizations provide needs based technical assistance to existing or new non-profits, public agencies, for-profits, and cooperative retail food outlets.

"We're looking for applicants pursuing a range of projects that provide expertise to food retailers," said MDA Local Food and Nutrition Coordinator Ashley Bress. "Projects that provide trainings, workshops, printed materials, mentorship opportunities, sustainability-focused individual guidance, and business planning would all fit into that category." The MDA will award up to $135,000 in this round. Applicants may request $5,000 up to $75,000 and they must contribute 25 percent. An Additional $135,000 will be available in the spring for small food retailers and grocers for the purchase of equipment or to make physical improvements. For more information check out the MDA web site or call 651-201-6629.