Food project grants reduce hunger.
Grants for feeding the hungry are available from federal, state, and private foundation sources. Many foundations that fund human services projects will include food projects as part of their focus. To obtain a grant for food projects, an organization should first investigate programs that already exist in their community, such as food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries operated by local churches. Not only will this information be required on grant applications, but grantors favor organizations that collaborate with other local organizations.
The People's Garden
The People's Garden School Pilot Program is open to nonprofits, educational institutions, faith-based organizations and gardening organizations. The purpose of the grant is to establish community gardens at eligible high poverty schools in order to teach students about agricultural production and nutrition. The produce grown will be used to supplement schools, local food banks and student households. The outcomes anticipated include helping to meet the needs of low income families, increasing community self-reliance and creating innovative marketing for locally grown produce.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides formula grants to states to pass on to eligible organizations for starting and maintaining food programs for children in day care facilities, for after school programs in low income areas and for children in emergency shelters. Impaired adults and elderly individuals in day care facilities are also served by this grant. This grant reimburses providers based on the number of breakfasts, lunches, suppers and snacks which are served. Meals must meet United States Department of Agriculture standards.
Summer Food Service
This is a formula grant for nonprofit food programs that target low income children during the summer months and at other times when school lunches are not available. At least 50 percent of the children served must be eligible for free or reduced price school lunches. Persons with disabilities over age 18 who participate in approved school programs are also eligible. Meals are distributed regularly at established sites.
Foundation Grants
The Food Lion Charitable Foundation supports organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in its marketing region. Organizations must be operating a feeding program, have an active board of directors and provide financial information that proves long-term sustainability. As of 2010, ConAgra offers community impact grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to grass-roots agencies that are using innovative strategies to address hunger in children. Grants are limited to states where ConAgra employees live and work and where at least 20 percent of children are food insecure.
Tags: Adult Care, Adult Care Food, care facilities, Care Food, Care Food Program