Food Safety Education Fund Grants

Overview

The Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117, establishes a food safety education fund that is to be used for 1) training and education to consumers on food safety, and 2) training and education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director who enforce the act. The budget this year will direct up to $356,600.00 toward training and education. Of the $356,600.00, $242,500.00 will be available for consumer food safety education and $114,100.00 for education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director of MDARD. The monies that go into the fund come from assessments of $3.00 to $5.00 on food establishment licenses. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting proposals for grants that will run from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Multi-year proposals will be considered on an individual basis, contingent on future year funding.

2025-2026 Food Safety Education Fund Grants Program

MDARD is soliciting proposals for grant awards between May 1 and June 16, 2025. The joint evaluation committees will convene in July and August 2025 to review and make recommendations to MDARD on the proposals to be awarded. An electronic copy of the request for proposals (RFP), with the new grant application is available on the department’s website. The grant application provides instructions, grant criteria, grant eligibility; and the timeline for submission and application process.

Proposal Considerations and Selection Criteria:

Please note that while there is no cap on individual grant awards, the selection committee has historically awarded grants annually between $5,000 and $75,000. Proposals will be scored and selected 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

Grant Criteria:

This is a cost-reimbursement grant program. Grantees are responsible for costs until proper reports, invoices, and receipts are received and reviewed. If an exception is required, this must be clearly identified in the project proposal. Grantees will be eligible for reimbursement up to four times at specified dates, during a 12-month grant cycle.

Each grantee will be required to submit written reports and appropriate financial reports with documentation to MDARD, including an invoice with a financial summary compared to the budget, and a supporting general ledger report. Reporting must include outcomes and impacts of the grant in addition to other criteria identified in the grant agreement.

Eligibility

The Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117, directs money in the fund to be used for providing food safety training and education to consumers, food service establishment employees, and agents of the director who enforce the Michigan Food Law of 2000.

Applicants must be Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are NOT eligible for this grant opportunity. Proposals with subgrantees will be considered. Proposals should not include funding for required routine training such as HACCP or manager certification such as ServSafe.

Use this grant application for the proposed project. Follow the instructions to complete each section.

Food Safety Education Fund Grant Application

Proposal Submission

Please send completed proposal no later than 3 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, to: MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov. Electronic submission of grant proposals is encouraged and will be confirmed via email receipt. If you have not received a confirmation email within 5 business days of submission, please email MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov or call 517-420-3249. Hard copy submissions must be postmark dated no later than Thursday, June 12, 2025 (please allow ample time for delivery) to:

If you do not receive a confirmation of receipt from MDARD after 5 business days of your submittal by mail, or you need additional information, please contact the Food Safety Education Fund grants manager at MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov or 517-420-3249.