Grant applications are open for the third round of funding in Alaska Micro Grants for Food Security program. The application period opened on Wednesday, Feb. 14, and they are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15.

The program offers grants of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations for a variety of food security needs — such as improving a family vegetable garden, buying a freezer to store meat, fence equipment to protect your garden from critters, building a greenhouse or chicken coop, purchasing subsistence supplies such as fishing nets, etc. Certain items are not eligible, such as firearms or ammunition, so consult the application.

This grant program is part of the last Farm Bill, when Sen. Lisa Murkowski included a section creating a series for annual micro grants for food security in Alaska, Hawai’i, and the Pacific territories (Guam, American Samoa, etc.). The money is part of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) budget, and there is about $2.6 million available for 2024 Alaska projects, which will be distributed by the Alaska Division of Agriculture.

There is a priority given for grant applications from more food insecure communities, and they might pick up more in grant money. There is a 10 percent cost match for organizations winning grants. To learn more go to this link. Click this link for the application portal. Only one application per household. For more information, email dnr.ag.grants@alaska.gov or call 907-761-3885.