Micro-Grants for Food Security Program

The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Marketing Service. This federal initiative was authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and is designed to address food insecurity in geographically isolated or resource-constrained areas of the United States and its territories. The program focuses on supporting state and territorial departments of agriculture, which in turn distribute funds through a structured subaward process. The program is particularly targeted at regions that both experience high levels of food insecurity and rely heavily on imported food. The primary purpose of the program is to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale agricultural activities. These include gardening, herding, and livestock operations, as well as broader initiatives that improve access to food and strengthen food security knowledge. Rather than awarding funds directly to individuals or organizations, USDA provides funding to eligible state or territorial agricultural agencies, which are then responsible for designing and administering competitive subaward programs within their jurisdictions. This layered approach allows for localized decision-making and ensures that funding is tailored to community-specific needs. Funding for the fiscal year cycle totals approximately $4.75 million and is distributed among eligible states and territories based on a predefined allocation formula. Individual subawards are capped annually, with individuals eligible for up to $5,000 per year and organizations eligible for up to $10,000 per year, for a maximum of three years. The overall grant period for the primary recipients spans four years, beginning no later than September 30, 2026, and ending no later than September 29, 2030. Administrative costs for the primary recipients are limited to 3 percent of the total federal award. Eligible applicants for the primary award are limited to state or territorial departments or agencies of agriculture located in specific U.S. jurisdictions, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and several Pacific Island territories. These entities must establish competitive subaward programs open to a wide range of eligible participants, including individuals, tribal organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and certain local governments. Subaward recipients must be physically located within the eligible jurisdictions and must apply through their respective state or territorial agency. The application process for primary applicants requires submission through Grants.gov and includes standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with a detailed Grant Administration Narrative outlining how the subaward program will be designed and managed. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier. Applications are reviewed for completeness, compliance, and alignment with program objectives, followed by an administrative and risk assessment review conducted by USDA. The application deadline for the current funding cycle is June 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted electronically, and late or incomplete submissions are not considered. After submission, applications undergo a multi-stage review process, and successful applicants receive a formal Notice of Award. Throughout the grant period, recipients are required to submit annual performance and financial reports, culminating in a final report at the end of the project period. The program operates on a recurring basis tied to federal fiscal cycles, with new funding opportunities expected annually depending on congressional appropriations. USDA provides technical assistance throughout the application process and maintains a dedicated program contact email for inquiries. This program represents a targeted federal effort to strengthen local food systems and improve food access in underserved and geographically isolated communities.

Submit at least two weeks early; ensure SAM.gov registration is active; follow file formatting rules and avoid incomplete applications