Wisconsin nonprofit food assistance organizations have until Oct. 1 to apply for grants intended to put Wisconsin-produced food on the tables of families facing hunger while supporting the state’s farmers, food processors and distributors.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection opened applications Sept. 1 for its Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant Program. A total of $5 million will be distributed through a competitive review process.
The funding could benefit Monroe County residents by increasing the amount of Wisconsin-grown and Wisconsin-processed food available through food pantries and other local assistance programs. However, local organizations may need to work with regional or statewide partners to submit the strongest applications.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit food banks, food pantries and other nonprofit organizations that provide food assistance in Wisconsin. Organizations serving a limited geographic area may apply, but DATCP said priority will be given to proposals demonstrating partnerships and the ability to serve multiple counties and regions.
Local food assistance organizations that cannot meet the program’s statewide criteria independently are encouraged to join larger networks or partner with other eligible nonprofits.
The program has two related goals: providing food at no cost to Wisconsin residents and creating additional markets for Wisconsin farmers, processors and food suppliers.
All grant money must be spent on food purchases. Funding may not be used for administrative expenses, equipment, staffing or other operating costs. Food purchased through the program must be distributed to Wisconsin communities without charge.
Products purchased with grant money must meet the state’s definition of a Wisconsin food product. According to DATCP, at least 51% of a qualifying product must be produced or processed in Wisconsin. Proposals offering opportunities to purchase products from several Wisconsin suppliers will receive stronger consideration.
DATCP is also prioritizing projects that coordinate food purchasing and distribution among multiple organizations, expand the variety of food offered and improve access in communities throughout Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
“The Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant Program provides relief to those with insufficient access to food while also strengthening Wisconsin’s farm-to-fork network,” DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski said in announcing the application period.
The program was established through the 2025-27 state budget, which included a $10 million investment—$5 million in each year of the biennium. It follows Wisconsin’s pandemic-era Food Security Initiative, which directed $65 million toward hunger relief while connecting food assistance organizations with Wisconsin producers and processors.
There is no minimum grant request. An applicant may request as much as $5 million, although DATCP may award only part of the amount requested. Grants will be reimbursed based on documented food-purchasing expenses.
Applications should include letters showing support from participating producers, processors or suppliers, along with projected food purchase and distribution plans. Organizations receiving grants will be required to submit reports to DATCP.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. Selected projects may begin operating in December.
Program information, application instructions and the request for proposals are available on the DATCP Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant Program website. Questions may be directed to DATCPdadgrants@wisconsin.gov.
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