USDA's NIFA has $5 mil. available for Community Food Project matching grants
By Agri-Pulse Staff
© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
Washington, Sept. 3 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of nearly $5 million in funds Friday for community-based food and agriculture projects through the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP).
Since 1996, the Community Foods Projects program has been funding low income community organizations to take control of their food systems and become more self-reliant. Projects have created food systems that are economically equitable and socially and environmentally sustainable.
The primary goals of the Community Food Projects program are to (1) meet the food needs of low-income individuals; (2) increase the food self-reliance of low-income communities; (3) promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm and nutrition issues; and (4) meet specific state, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs, including needs relating to infrastructure improvement and development, planning for long-term solutions and the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers. Community Food Projects have been funded in nearly to 300 communities in 48 states during its 14-year history.
Community Food Projects unite the entire food system, assessing strengths, establishing linkages, and creating systems that improve self-reliance over food needs. Applications are being solicited for Community Food Projects and Planning Projects until November 17, 2010. Grants are intended to help eligible private nonprofit entities in need of a one-time infusion of federal assistance to establish and implement multipurpose community food projects. Projects are funded from $10,000 to $300,000 and up to 36 months. All grants require a dollar-for-dollar match in resources.
For details on the Community Food Projects grants, go to: www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/communityfoodprojects.cfm
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