Food Security Infrastructure Grant

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), a state agency responsible for strengthening the Commonwealth’s agricultural economy, ensuring food system resilience, and supporting equitable access to nutritious food. Through this program, MDAR provides funding to support capital infrastructure and equipment investments that enhance the overall stability and capacity of the Massachusetts food supply chain. The grant is designed to address systemic gaps in production, processing, distribution, and access while prioritizing projects that benefit underserved and under-resourced communities. The primary purpose of the FSIG program is to improve the resilience, equity, and functionality of the local food system. Funded projects are expected to increase local food production and consumption, expand mid-supply chain capabilities such as aggregation and distribution, and improve access to healthy and locally sourced food in both commercial and noncommercial environments. The program also emphasizes emergency preparedness and long-term sustainability of the food system. Projects must result in durable infrastructure, such as new equipment purchases or construction and installation activities, that directly support food system operations. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover project costs and then request repayment from MDAR. Awards range from 10000 to 500000 dollars, and applicants are required to provide a 20 percent cash match. This matching requirement ensures shared investment and commitment to project success. Eligible expenses include capital improvements, equipment purchases, and necessary contracted labor, but must align strictly with the program’s focus on long-term infrastructure rather than operational or short-term costs. Eligibility for the FSIG program is broad but clearly defined. Applicants must be located and actively operating within Massachusetts and must have at least three consecutive years of operational history. Eligible entities include agricultural producers, seafood and aquaculture businesses, food processors and distributors, food access organizations such as food banks and pantries, educational and healthcare institutions that provide food services, retail food outlets, and public entities including municipalities and Tribal organizations. All applicants must demonstrate a meaningful role in the Massachusetts food system and serve residents of the Commonwealth. The application process is conducted entirely online, and applicants must complete all required fields and upload supporting documentation through the designated application portal. Submissions must be received by the stated deadline, and no paper or emailed applications are accepted. Applicants are advised to review all application materials, including the Request for Responses and documentation guidance, prior to submission. After submission, applicants receive a confirmation email listing uploaded documents, though file links are not accessible. The agency does not provide individualized application assistance during the solicitation period to maintain fairness. The application timeline includes a firm submission deadline of May 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions regarding the application must be submitted by April 20, 2026, with final responses published shortly thereafter. Award announcements are anticipated in Summer 2026, and funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. The program appears to operate on a recurring annual cycle, with updated guidance and application materials released each fiscal year. This structured timeline allows applicants to plan for both submission and project execution within a defined funding period.

Ensure all documents are fully uploaded and confirmed with system indicators; allow sufficient time before deadline to avoid technical delays; verify submission confirmation email is received