Vermont farm and food businesses seeking help selling to schools, hospitals and other institutions face an Oct. 26 application deadline for the state's Farm to Institution Market Development grants.
The deadline is 1:59 p.m. Monday, according to the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets program page. The program has $30,000 available in total, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
Eligible applicants include Vermont farm or food businesses, producer groups and organizations that help move food through the supply chain, such as food hubs and nonprofits. Proposals must increase sales opportunities for at least one Vermont farm business and increase the local food purchased and served by Vermont institutions.
The agency says competitive proposals should show a strong chance of sustaining a relationship between farms and institutional buyers. Those buyers can include colleges, schools, early-childhood centers, nursing homes, hospitals and correctional facilities.
Successful applicants have two years after signing their grant agreement to spend the award and complete required work. They must provide matching resources equal to 25% of the grant award, using cash, eligible in-kind support or both.
Applications go through the state's WebGrants system. The agency warns that registration can take up to two business days, so a new account should not be assumed to become available before Monday's deadline.
Applicants with timing or eligibility questions can contact program manager Madison Berry at madison.berry@vermont.gov or 802-622-4626. The program page links to the full application requirements and an application guide.