$5 million in grants available for Wisconsin food banks and pantries

As part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invited food banks and pantries to apply for COVID-19 Food Security Network Grants.

The department released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an estimated $5 million in grants to help with costs incurred by food banks and pantries related to COVID-19. Applications can be completed online at FoodSecurity.wi.gov and are due July 22 at 5 p.m. Grant funds will be distributed through a competitive review process, and will be awarded for costs that are related to COVID-19 and are incurred between March 1, 2020-December 30, 2020.

DATCP encouraged pantries to work through their respective food banks to ensure their needs are represented and demonstrate partnerships, rather than submit their own separate application. Payments are estimated to be issued beginning in mid-August.

The COVID-19 Food Security Network Grants are made possible by funding provided by Governor Tony Evers through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This first round of grants will go toward food banks and pantries to support the adaptations they have made in response to COVID-19. An RFP for a second round of grants will be released later in July and will focus on helping the food security network strengthen partnerships to bring Wisconsin agricultural products to Wisconsin residents in need.

The full RFP, application with instructions, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found at FoodSecurity.wi.gov. Questions should be emailed to DATCPFoodSecurityInitiative@wisconsin.gov.