Access to Local Foods Grants

Arkansas Community Foundation invites applications for projects that will increase Arkansans’ access to locally grown and produced foods and/or strengthen the local food ecosystem, including:

  • Programs that support farmers/gardeners/growers located in and working to provide fresh produce to food desert* communities in Arkansas.
  • Programs that operate or pilot innovative strategies to aggregate crops and/or connect local farmers/growers to distribution or retail markets.
  • Programs that support local food ecosystems and collaboration among farmers/growers, technical assistance providers, co-ops, and others involved in food production and distribution (could include learning cohorts).    

*Food Desert: As defined by the Arkansas Governor’s Food Desert Working Group, a community is a food desert or low food access location if residents must travel more than one mile in an urban setting or more than 10 miles in a rural setting to obtain a selection of fresh, nutritious food.

For a more detailed definition and link to USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas (searchable food desert map), please see our Access to Local Foods FAQs.

Applications for these grants will be accepted starting Oct. 28, 2024.

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The application period is open October 28- November 22.

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Who’s Eligible for These Grants?

  • 501c3 public charities (and organizations that are treated as such under IRS regulation, including schools, churches, hospitals, and government entities) are eligible to apply.

  • Applicants must be based in Arkansas or have a significant on-the-ground presence working in Arkansas. All geographic areas of the state are eligible.

Funding Range

This is a competitive grant cycle, with eight 1-year grant awards of $15,000 each available.

What We’re Looking For

  • Programs that address needs of small farmers/growers working to provide fresh produce in food desert communities in Arkansas, including transportation of product, technical education, equipment or supply needs, or other production or geographic barriers.
  • Proposals that show evidence of partnership and/or how your program connects to a broader ecosystem of local food production and access.
  • Project personnel (staff or key volunteers) who have experience with food production, farming, food business marketing or other local food systems skills and experience.

What We’re Not Looking For

  • Community gardening programs that are primarily focused on teaching gardening skills or offering a place for neighbors to garden for their own personal use. While these programs are important, this grant opportunity is more focused on increasing wider community access to locally grown food, either through bringing more food to market or significant distribution to people experiencing food insecurity.
  • PK-12 school gardens that are primarily for educational purposes rather than significant food production.