Community Food Systems Grants

These grants fund community-rooted and driven projects that address gaps and shortfalls of the industrial food system. The goal is to support the implementation of place-based practices that provide multi-benefit, long-term strategies that improve food access, address equity, economic opportunities, and community health. In addition to addressing the issues listed above, grant-funded projects conserve natural resources and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by supporting one or more of the following activities: local food production, local sourcing/procurement of food, food recovery, upcycling of surplus food and food byproducts, and community education to help residents reduce wasted food at home. The Community Food Systems grant category provides funding for innovative projects that improve food access and education for communities that are historically underserved and experience food insecurity. Who can apply: -This grant is available to nonprofits and businesses in Alameda County. -Businesses that can be identified as small, local, and/or BIPOC led will be prioritized. Eligible projects: -Encourage multi-benefit practices, partnerships, and long-term strategies to address food insecurity. -Improve access to nutritious, culturally appropriate, and locally grown food, whenever possible. -Support efforts that prevent the wasting of nutritious, culturally appropriate, and/or locally grown food and ensure equitable, dignified distribution to communities. -Engage individuals and communities in developing kitchen management skills that help make the most of food and food budgets.