Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program supports community-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening local food systems and reducing food insecurity. The program provides a one-time infusion of Federal funding to help communities develop self-reliance and long-term solutions to local food needs. Applicants must address at least one short-term and one long-term goal, such as meeting the food needs of low-income individuals, increasing community self-reliance, and promoting comprehensive responses to local food issues. Eligible applicants include public food program service providers, tribal organizations, and private nonprofit entities. The program has three project types: Training and Technical Assistance, Planning Projects, and Community Food Projects. • The program has a total available funding of $4,800,000. • The average individual award is between $25,000 and $400,000. • Applicants must provide matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds requested. • The application deadline is July 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. • The program has specific evaluation criteria, including the project's relevance to the program's goals, the qualifications of the project director and key personnel, and the feasibility of the long-term viability plan.