MDARD Opens Applications for Food Safety Education Grants

By Andi Anderson

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), led by Director Tim Boring, is seeking proposals for food safety education and training grants through the Food Safety Education Fund program. With up to $365,000 available for the grant cycle spanning October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, organizations are encouraged to submit their proposals to support food safety initiatives.

These competitive grants aim to provide food safety training and education to consumers, food service establishment employees, and government agency staff responsible for enforcing the Michigan Food Law of 2000. Eligible recipients include governmental and non-profit organizations, excluding producers, manufacturers, processors, marketers, and growers. Proposals with sub-grantees will also be considered, excluding funding for routine training such as HACCP or manager certification like ServSafe.

Established under the Michigan Food Law of 2000, the Food Safety Education Fund is sustained through assessments of $3.00 to $5.00 from each Michigan food establishment license.

Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria, including goals to improve food safety, statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, partnerships with other organizations, matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previous projects.

Electronic submissions are encouraged and must be sent to MDA-FoodDairyInfo@michigan.gov by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2024. Hard copy submissions must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, June 18, 2024, and mailed to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Advisory committees will convene in July and August 2024 to review proposals and make funding recommendations. Grant awards will be announced in September 2024, with projects running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Multi-year proposals will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to future funding availability.

For detailed information and application materials, visit MDARD's website at www.michigan.gov/mdard. For inquiries, contact Lori Yelton, Food Safety Education Fund grant manager, at yeltonl@michigan.gov or 517-420-3249.

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