Transportation and Marketing

Micro-Grants for Food Security 

Program

Fiscal Year 2023

Description of Funded Projects

Number of Grants Awarded: 4

Amount of Funds Awarded: $7,600,000.00

For more information, please visit the grant program's website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp

NOTE: The below project descriptions were provided by the grantrecipients.

Alaska Division of Agriculture

Recipient: Alaska Division of Agriculture

Juneau, AK

Project Type: Initiative

Award Amount: $3,576,750.59

Micro-Grants for Food Security Program

The Alaska Division of Agriculture will conduct a grant proposal opening for the 2023 Micro-Grants for Food Security Program 

(MGFSP.) The MGFSP grants are available to all individuals, Indian Tribes or tribal organizations, qualifying nonprofits, and 

federally funded educational facilities. As in 2022, the Individual awards are arranged by project type and will be fixed amount 

awards, prioritized by the SNAP food assistance program ranked census areas with the greatest food insecurity. Organizations

will apply with a project proposal as usual, and both types of applications will be scored by a Review panel of experts familiar 

with Alaskan Agriculture and regions, using the measures of census area food insecurity rank, and direct and indirect 

beneficiaries. Projects and qualifying activities in 2023 are grouped under the broader categories of Gardening/Greenhouse, 

Livestock/Poultry, Subsistence, and Slaughterhouse.

CNMI Division of Agriculture

Recipient: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

(CNMI) Division of Agriculture

Saipan, MP

Project Type: Initiative

Award Amount: $223,529.41

FY2023 Feed CNMI Project

The CNMI DOA will announce the availability of funds for farmers, rangers and other interested individuals or organizations 

to apply and implement projects consistent with the requirements of the program. Project activities must be measurable, 

including the number of beneficiaries. Eligible applicants should be living on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

The announcement for the availability of funds will be made in the local papers for three days within three consecutive weeks, 

including on the radio, discussing program requirements, deadlines and other important information. This will ensure the 

greatest number of eligible entities are reached, as the radio station usually interviews guest speakers during morning 

commute hours. 

Furthermore, the staff will utilize virtual workshops via Zoom to benefit applicants and interested individuals who are residing 

on the neighboring islands of Tinian and Rota.
Guam Department of Agriculture

Recipient: Guam Department of Agriculture

Hagatna, GU

Project Type: Initiative

Award Amount: $223,529.41

Enhancing Local Food Production and Security: GDOAG's MGFSP Initiative in Guam

The Guam Department of Agriculture (GDOAG) will advertise the MGFSP opportunity and RFA announcement through multiple 

channels, including their official website and social media outlets within their individual agency divisions. When reaching out 

via emails, fliers, and phone calls, they will also construct a list of NGO partners and refer to their existing bona fide farmer 

registration. They will also use word-of-mouth marketing to capitalize on Guam's close-knit farming community. The goal is to 

broaden the scope of the MGFSP opportunity and attract a broader range of participants, including NGOs, farmers, local 

media, and other stakeholders. Following the initial promotion, GDOAG will conduct a competitive request for applications 

(RFA) process. The project's goal is to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in Guam's geographically isolated 

villages who are experiencing food insecurity. Given Guam's reliance on imports for more than 90% of its food consumption, 

this program aims to boost the local agricultural sector and increase access to nutritious, locally produced food. Small-scale 

gardening, livestock activities, and projects aiming at increasing food availability and improving food knowledge in foodinsecure areas will receive subawards.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Recipient: Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Honolulu, HI

Project Type: Initiative

Award Amount: $3,576,750.59

Micro-Grants for Food Security Program Fiscal Year 2023

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will identify the eligible entities, defined as those entities that are physically 

located in Hawaii and that will engage in activities that will increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food for food 

insecure individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities through outreach.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will administer the MGFSP by using a fixed amount award system for individuals 

and proposals for organizations.