Dane County Accepting Applications for 2023 Partners in Equity Food Project Grant Program

January 30, 2023
Ariana Vruwink, 608-267-8823
County Executive

Today, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced that community-based organizations can now apply for the Partner in Equity (PIE) Food Project Grant, which was created to encourage the innovative development of projects that advance equity and access in local food systems across Dane County through educational and outreach services.

Vulnerable populations saw food insecurity and other needs rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Dane County community continues to respond and recover from the pandemic’s impacts on its local food system, Dane County government is looking for projects that will provide the greatest impacts in strengthening the community’s food system and cultivating community engagement and access.

“The Partners in Equity Food Project Grants are one of many ways Dane County strives to achieve equity and increase opportunity in our community,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Through this program, we partner with area organizations to make healthy food more accessible, strengthen local agriculture, limit food waste, and address food insecurity.”

“The Dane County Partners in Equity Food Project Grants are a perfect example of what is good in our community,” said Dane County Board Supervisor Michele Ritt. “Any group or organization is welcome to apply for funds, bringing diverse voices to advancing equity and access in our food system. Innovative and creative projects serve our most vulnerable neighbors. I am so proud to be part of this program.”

Individuals and organizations with smaller projects are especially encouraged to apply. In 2023, $20,000 is available for PIE Food Project Grants. There are two different application categories:

  • Grant A pool of $5,000 will support funding requests up to $2,000
  • Grant B pool of $15,000 will support funding requests between $2,001 and $4,000.

For applicants applying in the Grant B category, please note there are three additional questions to be completed.

Proposals should address one of more of the following focus areas:

  • Increase access to healthy, local, culturally-relevant food
  • Strengthen regional agriculture and ease access to land for growing food
  • Decrease food waste and loss via recovery and redistribution of good quality rescued foods
  • Enhance community voice in local food system development

To apply, complete the attached application form or go to the Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusions website at https://equity.countyofdane.com/ and scroll to the bottom to click on “2023 Food Pie Project Grant.” If you have questions or need assistance completing the application, please contact Theola Carter at (608) 283-1391 or OEIGrantSubmission@countyofdane.com.

Please submit your application electronically (preferred) to OEIGrantSubmission@countyofdane.com. If you are unable to submit electronically, mail to the address listed on the application form (postmarked by 4:00 PM on Monday, February 27, 2023).