Accepting Applications for 2025 Dane County Partners in Equity Food Project Grant Program
January 28, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Office for Equity & Inclusion
Today, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced that community-based organizations can now apply for the Partner in Equity (PIE) Food Project Grant. The PIE Food program encourages the development of projects that advance equity and access in local food systems across Dane County.
With the increase in food cost over the past year, households are spending more of their income on groceries. For vulnerable populations, may lead to more households experiencing more food insecurity and may require that lower income make tough choices when it comes to other needs. While the Dane County community continues to respond cost 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 Melissa Agard. “Through this program, we partner with area organizations to make healthy food more accessible, strengthen local agriculture, limit food waste, and address food insecurity.”
“Dane County is a strong community that has the ability to sustain its own food security through healthy access. With the help of the PIE Grants, we are able to fund the creation and expansion of equitable programs. The focus on low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations fosters self-sufficiency and creativity. I’m honored to be part of this work and see the impact the PIE grants make.” –Erica Janisch, Dane County Food Council member
Individuals and organizations with smaller projects are especially encouraged to apply. In 2025, $40,000 is available for PIE Food Project Grants. There are two different application categories:
- Grant A pool will support funding requests up to $2,000
- Grant B pool will support funding requests between $2,001 and $4,000.
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.danecounty.gov/ and scroll to the bottom to click on “2025 PIE-Food Project Grant.” If you have questions or need assistance completing the application, please contact Theola Carter at (608) 283-1391 or OEIGrantSubmission@danecounty.gov.
Please submit your application electronically (preferred) to OEIGrantSubmission@danecounty.gov. If you are unable to submit electronically, mail to the address listed on the application form (postmarked by 4:00 PM on February 24, 2025).
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The Office for Equity and Inclusion furthers Dane County’s ongoing commitment to addressing racial, gender, and disabilities disparities. The office guides Dane County’s Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Contract Compliance, and Civil Rights Compliance functions and serves as a resource for all County departments around issues of equity, disparities, conflict resolution, staff development and best practices.