The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. The program, established under the 2018 Farm Bill, was created to help small-scale farmers, ranchers and ag-related organizations increase the quality and quantity of locally produced foods in areas that are food insecure.
Activities that may be funded under this grant include:
- Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming.
- Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock, activities or supplies associated with setting up or equipping a slaughter and processing facility, including purchasing mobile slaughterhouses.
- Expanding Access to Food and Knowledge of Food Security – create or expand avenues for the sale of food commodities – includes paying for shipping of purchased items related to growing or raising food for local consumption.
The maximum award for an individual is $5,000 for a project of 12 months and 2,500 for a six-month project. Under the grant program rules, religious organizations, food banks and food pantries may also apply.
Awards will be announced sometime in May 2021; with first disbursement of funds expected in July 2021.
Applications/proposals must be emailed to hdoa.addrfp@hawaii.gov no later than noon on April 23, 2021.
To assist interested parties with the application requirements, a Zoom webinar has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 983 7226 2871
Passcode: HDOAMDB
Information and a recording of the webinar will also be posted at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/
Questions regarding the application process may addressed to HDOA’s Market Development Branch at (808) 973-9595 or by email at hdoa.addrfp@hawaii.gov