Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program [deadline 11/17/11]
Community Food Projects should be designed to (1): (A) meet the food needs of low-income people; (B) increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs; and (C) promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues; and/or (2) meet specific state, local, or neighborhood food and agriculture needs for (A) infrastructure improvement and development; (B) planning for long-term solutions; or (C) the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers.
For more information, visit http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/communityfoodprojects.cfm.
Mississippi Market Maker Joining Growers with Local Restaurants [Grower deadline to register 12/31/11]
Mississippi growers and restaurants are now able to participate in the EAT HEALTHY MISSISSIPPI Initiative. The purpose of the program is to incorporate locally grown produce, fruits, nuts etc, into nutritionally evaluated menu items that will be marketed thru Healthdiningfinder.com.
The first phase of the initiative will run from October 6 thru December 31, 2011. During this time period, Mississippi farmers wanting to market their crops to local restaurants should make sure register through Mississippi Market Maker at: http://ms.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/. This website will then link restaurants and growers. There is no cost for growers to in this program.
The second phase will run from Jan 1 thru April 30 2012. During this phase, restaurants will be recruited to participate.
Finally, the third phase will take place in May 2012 where a massive PR campaign will drive consumers to the Healthydiningfinder.com website where they can locate participating restaurants throughout the state and enjoy recipes featuring locally grown products.
Mississippi growers, make sure to register now to participate in this great program!
Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program [deadline December 31, 2011]
School gardens are an important educational tool for cultivating healthy eating habits. Learning about growing food helps children develop a deep understanding of the connection between healthy eating and a healthy body. The Whole Kids Foundation has raised over $312,000 for a school garden grant program. School garden grant applications will be accepted through 5pm CST, December 31. 2011. More information about the application process is available here: http://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/gardengrants.php
