Micro-Grants for Food Security Program

The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) is a federal grant initiative administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support eligible state and territorial agricultural agencies in increasing the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food insecure communities. The program provides subawards to eligible entities for small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, including funding for tools, equipment, seeds, animals, fencing, composting systems, hydroponic and aeroponic infrastructure, high tunnel eligibility activities, and mobile slaughterhouse development. Applicants must design projects that align with climate resilience goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions or adapting to climate change impacts, and they are required to submit a comprehensive State Plan for AMS review and approval prior to engaging subrecipients. The overall project period spans four years from September 30, 2026, to September 29, 2030, with each subaward limited to a maximum of three years. All applicants must possess a current Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov, maintain an active registration there and on Grants.gov, and provide a Taxpayer Identification Number. Applications must include standardized federal forms SF-424 and SF-424A, an executive summary not exceeding 250 words, and a Grant Administration Narrative using a mandatory template, with additional documentation such as a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement required if applicable. The award process involves a multi-stage review including an initial completeness check, an administrative review to ensure alignment with statutory goals and cost allowability, and a risk assessment evaluating financial stability, management systems, prior federal performance, audit history, and records in SAM.gov, USA Spending, and FAPIS. Applicants found to present significant risk may be denied funding or awarded with conditions. Recipients must cap administrative spending at three percent of federal funds and ensure subrecipients provide a ten percent cash cost share. Reporting obligations include annual electronic submissions using SF-425 and a final performance and financial report at closeout. All awardees must comply with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), including fixed amount award provisions, and must adhere to AMS and USDA General Terms and Conditions, civil rights and non-discrimination policies, and USDA funding acknowledgement requirements in all public communications.