DATCP Accepting Applications for the Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program Grant Through February 23

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for the 2026 Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program grant through 11:59 p.m. on February 23, 2026. DATCP will award a total of up to $1.5 million through this program in 2026.

Funded in Governor Evers‘ 2025-2027 state budget, the Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program is designed to provide grants to nonprofit food assistance organizations for the purpose of purchasing and distributing food to Tribal elders and supporting the growth and operations of food producers/processors from Tribal Nations as well as all Wisconsin food producers/processors.

Funds must be used to support Tribal members and serve multiple Tribal Nations in Wisconsin. Strong proposals will clearly demonstrate shared decision-making power among all project partners, and that Tribal Nations participating and receiving food have governance over food products moving through their pantries and to community members. Projects must collaborate with and partner on food security efforts with Tribal Nations in Wisconsin. Purchased food must be distributed to Tribal members in Wisconsin at no cost. A minimum of 80% of the budget must be spent on food procurement. A maximum of 20% of the budget may be spent on other eligible expenses to implement or evaluate the project.

A total of $1.5 million is available and will be distributed through a competitive review process. These funds will bolster current efforts to purchase and distribute food to Tribal elders and support Indigenous-based food producers. There is no minimum request amount, and applicants may apply for up to $1.5 million. No match is required.

Selected project contracts and work may begin in May 2026. Grant information and application materials are available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/TribalElderCommunityFoodBoxProgram.aspx.

Please contact DATCP with questions at DATCPdadgrants@Wisconsin.gov.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.