The Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), is designed to support Minnesota schools in establishing or enhancing meat cutting and butchery training programs. The program seeks to improve hands-on vocational education opportunities for secondary students in grades 6 through 12 by funding the purchase of equipment, facility renovations, curriculum development, and faculty training related to meat cutting instruction. The MEAT Grant was developed in response to the need for skilled workers in meat processing, a critical industry for the state's agricultural economy.

The MEAT Grant offers a total funding pool of $225,000 for the 2025 cycle. Each eligible school may apply for up to $75,000 to fund projects directly tied to meat cutting programs. Grant funds may be used to purchase necessary equipment such as refrigeration units, tables, saws, knives, and sanitizing equipment. Additional allowable expenses include contractor fees and materials for installing equipment, costs associated with facility renovations to accommodate meat cutting, the purchase of livestock or livestock products for training, curriculum development, and licensing and permitting costs. Up to 10% of the award may be used for faculty training to prepare educators to teach meat processing fundamentals.

Eligible applicants include public and private schools or school districts located within the state of Minnesota. Projects must benefit secondary students in grades 6 through 12, unless the applicant school district designates a different grade range. Priority consideration will be given to applicants that partner with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities or collaborate with local meat processing industry partners to enhance training opportunities and career pathways.

Applications for the 2025 MEAT Grant are due by 4:00 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Applicants must submit their applications online through the MDA’s grant application portal. New users are required to create an account before submitting their application. The grant’s Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines all eligibility requirements, application instructions, and evaluation criteria. Applicants can also submit questions related to the grant up until 4:00 p.m. CT on March 25, 2025 by emailing MDA.AGRIgrants@state.mn.us.

Grant recipients will be selected based on the alignment of their project with the program’s goals, the feasibility and readiness of the proposed project, and the extent to which the project enhances educational opportunities and career readiness for students. Schools that demonstrate strong collaboration with industry partners or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will receive additional consideration. Award announcements and funding disbursements are expected to follow soon after the application review process.