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MDARD Seeks Proposals for Food Safety Education, Training Grants
May 01, 2025
Proposals due Monday, June 16, 2025, at 5 p.m.
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking proposals for food safety education and training as part of the annual Food Safety Education Fund grant program. The grant cycle for 2025-2026 runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
"Protecting Michigan's food supply is one of MDARD's top priorities," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Grants from the Food Safety Education Fund help deliver training that local governments and food service businesses depend on to help keep Michiganders and their families safe."
The Food Safety Education Fund was established under Section 4117 of the Michigan Food Law of 2000, as amended, and is funded through assessments of $3.00 to $5.00 from each Michigan food establishment license.
Up to $356,600 is available during the 2025-2026 grant cycle for projects focused on food safety training and education. Of the total budget, $242,500 will be available for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for education to food service establishment employees and agents of the MDARD director.
Grants from the Food Safety Education Fund are competitive and designed to provide food safety training and education to consumers, food service establishment employees, and staff from state and local government agencies who enforce the Michigan Food Law of 2000. Those eligible to receive grants include Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities. Producers, manufacturing processors, marketers and growers are NOT eligible for this grant opportunity.
Proposals with sub-grantees will be considered. Proposals should not include funding for required routine training such as HACCP or manager certification such as ServSafe.
An electronic copy of the Request for Proposals, including grant criteria and the new application form, are available on MDARD's website.
MDARD will score and select proposals based on the following criteria:
- Goals/objectives to improve food safety
- Statewide need and audience
- Measurable outcomes
- Partnering with other organizations
- Matching funds
- Opportunities to build upon previously funded projects
Applicants are encouraged to submit grant applications electronically. Applications should be sent to: MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov. Electronic submissions are due no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, and will be confirmed via email receipt. If you have not received a confirmation email within five business days of submission, please email MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov.
Hard copy submissions must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, June 12, 2025, to allow time for delivery. Hard copies should be mailed to:
The Joint Evaluation Committees will convene in July and August 2025 to review and make recommendations to MDARD on the proposals to be awarded. MDARD will announce grant awards in September 2025 for projects that run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. MDARD considers multi-year proposals on an individual basis, contingent on future year funding.
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