Micro-Grants For Food Security Program (MGFSP)
The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) assists to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding and livestock, and apiary operations. The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture competitively distributes the funds through subawards to eligible entities. Subawardees applying as individuals will be awarded $5,000, and subawardees applying as organizations will be awarded $10,000. Please check back here for more updates.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible entities are: an individual, an Indian Tribe or tribal organization, a non-profit organization engaged in increasing food security (ex: food bank, food pantry, religious organization), a federally funded educational facility, or a local or tribal government that may not levy local taxes under State or Federal law. Eligible entities must be a resident of and located in the state of Hawai’i, and be at least 18 years of age. There are two different applications: one strictly for use by individuals, and one strictly for use by organizations.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for MGFSP FY24 (awarded in 2025) will go live Summer 2025. A link will be available on this page for individuals to click on and complete your PDF fillable application form. Organizations will apply at https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities (matching funds may be required). A webinar will take place that will guide applicants through the application and help to answer questions. We recommend that applicants watch the webinar before applying. The webinar will be posted on this website for you to view at any time. The application will prompt applicants to check boxes in set categories on how they will use their funding in dollar amounts, estimate quantity/weight of food produced, and provide a headcount of beneficiaries. Categories are Gardening, Herding and Livestock, and Apiaries. All applicants will need to write a coherent and descriptive plan of their project. If applicants need assistance with applying, they may contact [email protected]. Please check back here for more updates.
What can I expect after I apply?
Applications undergo extensive review from both USDA and HDOA; they are scored and ranked, a process that takes several months. Applicants will be notified of a decision on their application by Fall 2025, and further instructions will be communicated. If awarded, subawardees can anticipate their funds to be available around Spring 2026.
PERFORMANCE REPORTS
Over the course of the 12 month project, subawardees are required to document the amount of food produced, beneficiaries impacted, expenditures/receipts, and photos of their progress. Subawardees will report these project results to HDOA by submitting performance reports: an Interim Progress Report and a Final Performance Report. FY21 and FY22 subawardees are required to submit both an Interim Progress Report and a Final Performance Report. An Interim Progress Report is expected six months after a subawardees’ project contract signed date. A Final Performance Report is due within thirty (30) days after project contract completion. Subawardees should keep a copy of their application, as it will be needed to complete the Final Performance Report at the close of the 12 month project. Subawardees should be prepared to describe project challenges or learnings, and discuss any comments, feedback, or suggestions. Links will be available on this page for subawardees to fill out and submit their reports.
MGFSP FY22 Reporting
(Contract start dates between 3/1/2024 and 9/30/2024)
Complete your Interim and Final reports online:
MGFSP FY21 Reporting
(Contract start dates between 2/1/2023 and 3/31/2023)
Complete your final report online:
SUBMISSIONS OF PHOTOS AND RECEIPTS ARE MANDATORY AND MUST BE EMAILED TO:
MGFSP FY22 Reporting
MGFSP FY21 Reporting
Program contact: [email protected] or (808) 973-9594
CONTACT US
Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture
Market Development Branch
1428 South King Street
Honolulu, HI, 96814-2512
Phone: (808) 973-9594
Fax: (808) 973-9590
E-mail: [email protected]
TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities. To learn more, or file a complaint, please refer to the links below:
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE
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NON-EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
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DISABILITY NON-DISCRIMINATION PROGRAM AND POLICY
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN