Gov. Evers, DATCP Announce Applications Open for Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program Grant

Governor Evers

Press Release

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program. The governor’s 2023-25 budget provided an appropriation $1.5 million annually for the Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program.

“Far too many communities in our state struggle with food insecurity, but especially aging and older Tribal adults,” said Gov. Evers. “Advancing Tribal food sovereignty has always been a priority for my administration, and thanks to our dedicated state partners, this grant program will help increase access to nutritious foods in Tribal communities and expand Indigenous producers’ capacity to supply culturally relevant food.”

The Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program is designed to provide grants to nonprofit food assistance organizations for the purpose of purchasing and distributing food to Tribal elders. In addition, the grants support the growth and operations of food producers and processors from Tribal nations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa, as well as all Wisconsin food producers and processors.

A total of $1.5 million will be awarded in 2024 through a competitive review process. These funds will support current efforts to purchase and distribute food to Tribal elders and support Indigenous-based food producers. There is no minimum request amount, and applicants may apply for up to $1.5 million. No match is required, and selected projects may begin work in June 2024. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Fri., March 29, 2024.

Projects must collaborate with and partner on food security efforts with Tribal nations in Wisconsin. Grant funds must be used to support Tribal members and serve multiple Tribal nations within the state. Strong proposals will demonstrate how decision-making power will be shared among all project partners and will describe how participating Tribal nations will have governance over food products moving through their pantries and to community members. Purchased food must be distributed to Tribal members in Wisconsin at no cost. A minimum of 90 percent of the budget must be spent on food procurement, and a maximum of 10 percent of the budget may be spent on other eligible expenses to implement or evaluate the project.

Grant information and application materials are available on DATCP’s website. If you have questions about the program, please contact DATCP at DATCPdadgrants@wisconsin.gov.