LANSING – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking grant proposals for food safety education and training as part of the annual Food Safety Education Fund grant program. The 2021-2022 grant will be a 12-month cycle from Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022.

The Food Safety Education Fund was established under the Michigan Food Law of 2000, as amended, Sec. 4117, and is funded through assessments of $3 to $5 from each Michigan food establishment license. Up to $365,000 is available during the 2021-2022 grant cycle for projects focused on food safety training and education. Of the $365,000, $265,000 will be available for consumer food safety education and $100,000 for education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director of MDARD. An electronic copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP), including grant criteria, is available on the department’s website.

Grants from the Food Safety Education Fund are competitive and designed to provide food safety training and education to consumers, food service establishment employees and agents of the director who enforce the Michigan Food Law of 2000. Entities eligible to receive grants include Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities. Producers, processors, marketers, and growers are not eligible for this grant opportunity. Proposals with sub-grantees will be considered. Proposals should not include funding for required routine training such as hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) training and manager certification.

Proposals will be scored and selected based on the following criteria:

— Goals/objectives to improve food safety

— Statewide need and audience

— Measurable outcomes

— Partnering with other organizations

— Matching funds

— Opportunities to build upon previously funded projects

Electronic submission of grant proposals is encouraged and should be sent to MDA-FoodDairyInfo@michigan.gov. Electronic submissions are due no later than 5 p.m. on July 23 and will be confirmed via email receipt. If you have not received a confirmation email within five business days of submission, please contact Lori Yelton.

Hard copy submissions must be postmarked no later than July 20 (please allow ample time for delivery). Hard copies should be mailed to:

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Food and Dairy Division

P.O. Box 30017

Lansing, Michigan 48909

An advisory committee will convene in August to review, score and rank proposals and make funding recommendations to MDARD. Grant awards will be announced in September. Grants will be awarded for projects that run from Oct. 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022. Multi-year proposals will be considered on an individual basis, contingent on future year funding. For more information, contact Lori Yelton, MDARD’s Food Management-Nutrition Consultant, at YeltonL@Michigan.gov or by calling 517-420-3249.