RESILIENCY GRANTS (2022-2023)
CLOSED
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity rates have significantly increased; and research conducted by the University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University shows significantly greater food insecurity among low-income households and people of color. Across the State of Washington, organizations require financial support to continue to meet the needs of our communities, as demonstrated in the Washington State Hunger Relief Capacity Survey & Report created by Harvest Against Hunger, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and UW (Executive Summary and Full Report).To help address the critical needs of hunger relief organizations across Washington, WSDA Food Assistance (FA) is opening the Resiliency Grants Program with potentially over $16 million in grant funding to all eligible hunger relief organizations across the State – including those not currently contracted with FA. WSDA distributes millions of dollars annually through its FA programs, which function by contracting with hunger relief organizations, Tribes, and tribal organizations in all 39 counties to deliver government-funded food assistance resources across the state.
The Resiliency Grants Program is funded through the State Legislature to build resiliency in the broader hunger relief network through grants and initiatives. This funding will prioritize:
- Recommendations of the Washington State Hunger Relief Capacity Survey & Report
- Rural, less dense regions and underserved communities
- Statewide representation
Grants Overview: [English] [Chinese 中國人] [Korean 한국인] [Russian Pусский] [Somali Af-soomaali] [Spanish Español] [Tagalog] [Ukrainian Украініан] [Vietnamese Tiếng Việt]
Program Purpose
Funding objectives. Through this program, WSDA will support the work of eligible hunger relief organizations (meal programs, food banks, food pantries, delivery programs, and more) in response to COVID-19, and fund projects that target the following funding objectives:
- Collaborations – To implement and/or strengthen regional systems; may include new county partnerships, interregional collaboration, and food hubs.
- Local purchasing – To strengthen local systems, invest in local businesses and local agriculture.
- Service operation efficiencies and expanded capacity – To support staffing, equipment, capital improvement projects, and other vital resources needed to continue and expand services as needed.
- Client experience enhancement – To support equity, client choice models, home and expanded delivery options, increased client access, culturally relevant foods, as well as software, translation, and other concepts or innovations that improve the client experience.
Funds will be awarded under the following categories:
- Equipment and installation costs up to $4,999.99 – through our valued partnership with Harvest Against Hunger, up to $400,000 worth of eligible equipment and installation projects will be funded.
- Contracted hunger relief organizations – at least 30% of awarded projects will be to organizations who participate in WSDA Food Assistance programs.
- Regional Distribution Organizations – at least 20% of awarded projects will be to contracted organizations supporting multiple regions.
- Hunger relief organizations not currently contracted with WSDA FA – at least 30% of awarded projects will be to organizations who do not currently participate in WSDA Food Assistance programs.
Awards may range from under $5,000 (up to $4,999.99 for equipment and installation costs only) to over $100,000. For $5,000 and over projects, there is not a maximum project size allowed. Please note that some applicants may be offered a partial award.
If additional translation is needed, please contact foodassistancegrants@agr.wa.gov.