Are you working to address food-related inequities in the Austin area?
The Food Justice Mini Grants program supports community-led projects working towards transformative change in our food system — from the fields to our forks.
Grants of up to $3,000 are available to support community-driven solutions led by people most negatively impacted by the food system. These Food Justice Mini Grants are intended to support communities in their efforts to grow, sell, and eat healthy food.
"This Food Justice Mini Grant allowed Kalpulli Texas Quetzalcoatl to successfully host Día de la Tierra, a beautiful and inspiring community-driven event that planted the seeds for future generations to eat, work, and live off the land in a respectful way."
— Maribel, Project Coordinator at Kalpulli Texas Quetzalcoatl
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How to apply for a Food Justice Mini Grant -
What is the dollar amount for each grant?
Applicants may apply for up to $3,000 per project.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants may represent non-profits, schools, for-profit businesses, homeowner associations, faith-based groups, grassroots initiatives, and more. The most successful applications will be led by those most impacted by inequities in the food system with a demonstrable history or potential to execute their goals.
We encourage applications from organizations applying an intersectional and equity lens and leading transformative change within the communities they represent.
What sorts of projects can be funded?
Proposals may include ongoing organizational work or new programs. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Innovative food production methods
- Fresh food markets or affordable food retail
- Workforce development in the food supply chain
- Low-cost home meal or grocery delivery services
- Community events centered on food systems or food justice
When are applications accepted, and when is funding awarded?
Applications for the 2023 Food Justice Mini Grants program opened on June 20, 2023, and closed on July 11, 2023. Information on the next grant cycle will be available in 2024.
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What is food justice? -
We define food justice broadly as movements that are advocating for transformational change around how our food moves from the fields to our forks. This includes the concept of food sovereignty or the right of communities to define their own food and agriculture systems.
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Meet former grant recipients -
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In the 2022 grant cycle, the City funded 25 organizations working on projects ranging from community-based “free fridges” to gardening workshops led by and for people of color. Explore the 2022 Impact Report.
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Meet the 2021 Food Justice Mini Grants program recipients with out 2021 Outcomes Report. (PDF, 4.8MB)
Project Spotlight: El Buen Samaritano
Twice a week, El Buen Samaritano provides dry goods and fresh fruits and vegetables to 150-180 families in Austin. With the help of the Food Justice Mini Grant, El Buen Samaritano amplified its food access services to those in need.
Project Spotlight: Multicultural Refugee Coalition
The Multicultural Refugee Coalition trains and employs refugee farmers through their New Leaf Agriculture program. With the help of the Food Justice Mini Grant, the Coalition was able to expand access to fresh, organic produce to refugee families in Austin.
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Did you receive a 2023 Food Justice Mini Grant?
Complete your Final Report by Saturday, June 1, 2024 in the online grant portal. If you have any trouble throughout the process, please email sustainability@austintexas.gov.