The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) is administered by the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture through its Market Development Branch. This program is intended to bolster local food production in Hawai’i by offering small-scale financial assistance to individuals and organizations engaged in gardening, herding, livestock, and apiary operations. The initiative is part of an overarching effort to enhance food security in the state, supporting self-sufficiency and community-based food systems.

MGFSP provides two levels of subawards: individuals can receive up to $5,000, while eligible organizations may be awarded up to $10,000. Eligible applicants include individuals, Indian Tribes or tribal organizations, non-profit organizations focused on food security, federally funded educational institutions, and local or tribal governments that cannot levy taxes under State or Federal law. All applicants must be residents of Hawai’i and at least 18 years old. Specific application forms exist for individuals and organizations, ensuring tailored processes for different applicant types.

Applications for the FY24 cycle, with awards to be distributed in 2025, are scheduled to open in Summer 2025. Organizations must apply through the state’s eHANDS portal, and individuals will use a PDF fillable form accessible via the program’s webpage. A webinar will be provided to guide applicants through the process, and watching it is strongly recommended. The application includes questions requiring the applicant to categorize their funding use, estimate food production quantity/weight, and list the number of beneficiaries. A detailed project plan is also required.

The review process involves both the USDA and the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture and is expected to take several months. Notification of awards is anticipated by Fall 2025, with funding expected to be disbursed by Spring 2026. The program stresses transparency and accountability; recipients must submit an Interim Progress Report six months into the project and a Final Performance Report within thirty days of the project’s conclusion. Documentation of food produced, expenditures, receipts, and photographic evidence are mandatory components of these reports.

The program enforces stringent documentation and compliance protocols to ensure funds are used effectively. For instance, subawardees must retain copies of their applications for future reference, especially when completing final reports. All communications and report submissions are handled via dedicated program email addresses. Key contacts include the main program email at hdoa.md.microgrants@hawaii.gov and a phone line at (808) 973-9594 for additional assistance.

MGFSP underscores equitable access and non-discrimination, adhering to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The program does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected classes. Resources and complaint procedures are available in multiple languages, further demonstrating the program's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.