Grants are available to local food producers

The Northeast Iowa Food & Farm Coalition, in collaboration with Winneshiek County Development, Inc., is offering mini-grants to local food producers and food entrepreneurs throughout Winneshiek County.

Local farmers interested in starting or expanding local food production, processing, marketing or distribution in Northeast Iowa are eligible to apply. Only one project per farm/business/family will be funded.  Farmers should visit www.iowafreshfood.com or contact Winneshiek County Development, Inc. at wcdi@thinkdecorah.com for an application.

The grant funds may be used for start-up or expansion costs related to growing or marketing local food.  Funds must be used on projects that will build the long-term capacity of the farm to produce food.  

Winneshiek County will give out $1,500 in mini-grants.  The maximum grant amount is $500.

The grants are part of the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Food & Community project.  All interested producers are encouraged to apply.   Additional information about the NIFF Coalition and Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative can be found at www.iowafreshfood.com and www.iowafoodandfitness.org.

For more information about the Mini Grants, contact Winneshiek County Development Director Randy Uhl at (563) 382-6061 or at wcdi@thinkdecorah.com. Applications are due by June 1st.