Applications are officially being accepted for the 2021 cycle of our Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program.

Now in its fourth year, the Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program is an annual giving program that we created in 2018 (1) to help rebuild our rural community by providing crucial support for local farming operations and (2) to further the co-op’s mission of creating a thriving and healthy foodshed by supporting the growth of regional farming, food processing, and product development in the Chippewa Valley. Funded projects strengthen operational infrastructure, increase food production, or build sustainability into processes. The program is funded by shoppers through round-ups of change at the registers and a donation from our organization.

A total of $10,000 will be distributed this year, making this the program’s biggest year yet, and awards will range from $1,000-$5,000 each. Applications will be evaluated by the 2021 Fund Our Foodshed Grant Committee composed of fourteen co-op board members, co-op staff, and co-op owners. They will make selections based on a variety of criteria—most importantly, the potential positive impact on the agricultural economy of the Chippewa Valley.

Eligible applicants for a Fund Our Foodshed Grant include all farmers, producers, and processors who:

• Have businesses that are located within 100 miles of Menomonie, Wisconsin
• Have been established in their current business for at least 12 months prior to applying
• Have not received over $1000 in grant funds, product, or in-kind donations from Menomonie Market Food Co-op during the prior 2 years

Applications are being accepted online at mmfc.coop/fundourfoodshed or in-store until April 10, 2021. A funding decision will be made by the committee by April 30, 2021.

Any questions regarding the grant program or application process can be directed to our General Manager Crystal Halvorson via email at crystal@mmfc.coop or phone call at 715-231-3663, Ext. 213.