Food Safety Education Fund Grants (FSEF)

The Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117, establishes a food safety education fund that is to be used for 1) training and education to consumers on food safety, and 2) training and education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director who enforce the act. The budget this year will direct up to $356,600.00 toward training and education. Of the $356,600.00, $242,500.00 will be available for consumer food safety education and $114,100.00 for education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director of MDARD. The monies that go into the fund come from assessments of $3.00 to $5.00 on food establishment licenses.

MDARD is accepting proposals for grants that will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Multi-year proposals will be considered on an individual basis, contingent on future year funding. Administered by MDARD's Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health.

The Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117, directs money in the fund to be used for providing food safety training and education to consumers, food service establishment employees, and agents of the director who enforce the Michigan Food Law of 2000.

Applicants must be Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are NOT eligible for this grant opportunity. Proposals with subgrantees will be considered. Proposals should not include funding for required routine training such as HACCP or manager certification such as ServSafe.

• Cost-reimbursement grant program. Grantees are responsible for costs until proper reports, invoices, and receipts are received and reviewed. If an exception is required, this must be clearly identified in the project proposal. Grantees will be eligible for reimbursement up to four times at specified dates during a 12-month grant cycle.

• There is no cap on individual grant awards; the selection committee has historically awarded grants annually between $5,000 and $75,000.

• Grant period: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Multi-year proposals considered individually, contingent on future year funding.

• Each grantee must submit written reports and appropriate financial reports with documentation to MDARD, including an invoice with a financial summary compared to the budget and a supporting general ledger report. Reporting must include outcomes and impacts of the grant.

• Selection criteria: Project Purpose and Summary; Impact and Audience Reach; Expected Measurable Outcomes; Work Plan; Budget; Lasting Impacts.

Use the Food Safety Education Fund Grant Application for the proposed project and follow the instructions to complete each section; other application formats will not be accepted.

Send the completed proposal by end of day Tuesday, June 16, 2026 to MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov. Electronic submission is encouraged and will be confirmed via email receipt; applications not submitted in one email will not be eligible for consideration. If you have not received a confirmation email within 5 business days of submission, email greens2@michigan.gov or call 517-420-3249. This program does not use the MiAgGrants portal.

2026-2027 timeline: request for proposals released May 1, 2026; proposals due June 16, 2026; evaluation committee receives proposals July 2026; committee meets and selects proposals August 2026; award announcement September 2026.

• 2026-2027 Food Safety Education Fund Grant Application (PDF)

• MDARD grant recipients dashboard

• Sign up for email updates about Michigan agriculture grants