Food Hub Grants: How to Apply & Get Funding in the US

If you're ready to start a food hub or take your existing one to the next level, applying for a food hub grant can help you get the funding you need to create a lasting impact on your local food system.

Grants are a great option for businesses looking to get the financial boost needed to expand their operations, enhance sustainability, and better serve their community. Covering a variety of needs, including infrastructure improvements, marketing, operational costs, and educational programs, these grants can solidify your role in the local food system, improve access to fresh and healthy food, and empower local farmers and producers.

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What is a grant? 

A grant is a sum of money awarded by a government, organization, or private entity to support specific projects or activities.

Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. They are typically given to organizations, businesses, and individuals to promote public good, drive innovation, and address community needs. As such, grants can be a great option for food hubs looking to grow their business without the financial burden of a loan.

7 best food hub grants in the US

Here are some of the best grants available to food hubs based in the United States.

1. USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced farm/agricultural products. 

Learn more about FMPP’s funding, requirements, and deadlines.

2. Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.

Learn more about VAPG’s funding, requirements, and deadlines.

3. USDA Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP)

The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. This program focuses on strengthening the viability and resilience of regional food economies. 

Learn more about RFSP’s funding, requirements, and deadlines.

4. USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

The Speciality Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) helps to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Learn more about SCBGP’s funding, requirements, and deadlines.

5. National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP)

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) is intended to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster an understanding of national food security trends and how they might improve local food systems. 

Learn more about CFPCGP’s funding, requirements, and deadlines.

6. Local Food, Local Places (LFLP)

The Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP) planning assistance program helps cities and towns across the country engage with stakeholders to develop local food systems, preserve open space and farmland, revitalize main streets and downtowns, boost economic opportunities for farmers and businesses, and improve access to local and healthy foods, especially among disadvantaged populations. 

Learn more about LFLP’s funding, requirements, and deadlines.

7. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offer competitive grants to fund research and education projects that advance sustainable agricultural practices in the US.

Learn more about SARE’s funding, requirements, and deadlines.

Regional funding options

Depending on where you are located, there are also opportunities at the state level. Be sure to research and contact your state's agricultural department or local economic development agencies to discover additional funding options tailored to your region.

How to leverage local economic development agencies

Siskiyou Farm Co. operates under the umbrella of the Siskiyou Economic Development Council (EDC), playing a crucial role in funding, vision, and direction. Thanks to the support of the EDC and the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Grant, our project became a reality. The grant writing process is lengthy and challenging, given the complex nature of the proposals and the competitiveness of the applications. 

Fortunately, we have specialized expertise in grant writing through EDC. This is why building a relationship with your local economic development agency is a strategic move for any start-up or ongoing project seeking grant funding. Their expertise can provide essential guidance and increase your chances of securing the necessary support for your initiatives.

What do you need to apply for food hub grants in the US?

Before you start applying to grants, make sure you do the prep work and have all of the items listed below. 

• Register your business entity with SAM.gov: Essential for all federal grant applicants, the SAM.gov business registration can take 7-10 business days to complete.
• Obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number: Register for a DUNS number to track federal money allocation. More information can be found on the DUNS website.
• Acquire an EIN (Employer Identification Number): Contact the IRS to get an EIN, a must-have for every grant applicant.
• Create a Grants.gov profile: Set up your profile on grants.gov and designate your Authorized Organizational Representative.

Step-by-step guide to applying for a food hub grant

Step 1: Read through the RFP and take notes

The journey to securing a grant starts here! Before you start writing your grant application, the first and most crucial step is to thoroughly read the Request for Proposals (RFP). Here’s how to tackle it:

• Take notes: As you read through the RFP, take detailed notes on key points that stand out. Highlight the objectives, eligibility criteria, deadlines, required documents, and any specific instructions provided by the grant issuer.
• Identify key requirements: Pay close attention to the requirements and guidelines. These will shape your application and ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.
• Brainstorm ideas: Jot down any ideas that come to mind as you read through the RFP. This could include potential projects, partnerships, and strategies that align with the grant’s goals.

Step 2: Get inspired and research past awarded projects

Fuel your creativity! Once you have a clear understanding of the RFP, it’s time to get inspired by researching past projects that have received similar grants:

• Compile project summaries: Look for summaries of past awarded projects. This information is often available on the grant issuer’s website or through a simple online search.
• Create a brain dump document: Gather all the project summaries and compile them into a brain dump document. This document will serve as a source of inspiration and reference as you develop your own project proposal.
• Identify common themes and strategies: Analyze past projects to identify common themes, successful strategies, and innovative ideas that you can incorporate into your proposal.

Step 3: Develop your project summary

With your notes and inspiration in hand, it’s time to sit down and write your project summary. This summary will be the foundation of your grant application:

• Define your project: Clearly define the project for which you are seeking funding. Include the objectives, key activities, and expected outcomes.
• Align with grant goals: Ensure your project aligns with the grant's goals and priorities. Highlight how your project addresses the issues outlined in the RFP.
• Emphasize community impact: Explain how your project will benefit your food hub, local farmers, and the broader community. Use data and anecdotes to support your points.

Step 4: Break down the grant application into sprints

Writing a grant application can be a daunting task, but breaking it down into manageable sprints can make the process more efficient and less overwhelming:

• Create a timeline: Develop a timeline for completing different sections of the application. Set realistic deadlines for each sprint to ensure you stay on track.
• Focus on one section at a time: Tackle one section of the application at a time. This approach allows you to concentrate your efforts and produce high-quality content for each part.
• Take breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks between sprints. Stepping away from the application can give you a fresh perspective and help prevent burnout.

Step 5: Gather the necessary information

A successful grant application requires detailed information about your food hub and the proposed project. Gather the following data:

• Business Plan: Include your food hub’s mission, vision, goals, and a detailed description of your operations.
• Financial statements: Prepare up-to-date financial records, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Project proposal: Clearly outline the project for which you are seeking funding. Include objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes.
• Budget: provide a detailed budget that breaks down the costs associated with your project. Make sure to justify each expense and how it contributes to the project’s success.
• Impact analysis: Explain how the grant will benefit your food hub, local farmers, and the community. Highlight potential job creation, increased access to local food, and economic impact.

Step 6: Write a compelling narrative

Your grant application should tell a compelling story that convinces the grant committee of the value and impact of your project. Here are some tips to craft an engaging narrative:

• Start with a strong introduction: Begin with a captivating introduction that outlines your food hub’s mission and the importance of your project.
• Clearly state your needs: Explain the specific challenges your food hub faces and how the grant will address these issues.
• Detail your project plan: Provide a thorough description of your project, including objectives, activities, timelines, and expected outcomes. Make sure to tie each element back to your overall mission.
• Highlight community impact: Emphasize how your project will benefit local farmers, consumers, and the broader community. Use data and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
• Showcase your capacity: Demonstrate that your food hub has the experience, expertise, and resources to execute the project successfully. Include any relevant past successes and partnerships.

Step 7: Prepare and organize supporting documents

Supporting documents are essential to strengthen your application. These might include:

• Letters of support: Obtain letters from partners, local officials, and community organizations that endorse your project.
• Resumes and bios: Include resumes or bios of key team members to showcase their qualifications and experience.
• Market research: Provide any market research or data that supports the need for your project.
• Visuals: Incorporate photos, diagrams, or maps that help illustrate your project and its impact.

Ensure all documents are well-organized and labeled clearly to make it easy for the grant reviewers to find the information they need.

Step 8: Review and edit

Before submitting your application, take the time to review and edit your materials thoroughly. Look for any errors or inconsistencies, and make sure your narrative flows logically. It’s also helpful to have someone else review your application to provide feedback and catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Step 9: Submit your grant application

Once you’ve finalized your application, follow the submission instructions carefully. Pay attention to deadlines and ensure you submit all required documents. Some grants may require online submission, while others might accept applications by mail.

Applying for a food hub grant can be a pivotal moment that transcends your project. With funding for food systems on the rise, there are more opportunities than ever to secure the resources needed to expand your operations. While writing grants can be overwhelming, it’s a crucial step in strengthening local food systems. If you're telling yourself you can’t write grants, you’re wrong. Put in the effort, research, learn, and just get started. Once you write your first grant, it’s smooth sailing from there.