Last Food Mile Grant

Unsupported Browser Detected The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Supported Browsers Google Chrome Safari Microsoft Edge Firefox Last Food Mile Grant Last Food Mile Grant "Most of us juggle farm work with off-farm jobs, making it difficult to manage a full-time retail store. Yet the need for tools to help farmers reach customers and create value-added products is still very real." - Erin K., Farmer from Attica, MI Overview The Last Food Mile Grant is a one-time funding opportunity offered by Farm to Family, an innovative program of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) that offers grants, networking opportunities, and marketing consultations for farmers, food businesses, and others in local food supply chains. The aim of this grant is to help producers deliver locally grown foods to Michigan institutions, markets and consumers by developing transportation and distribution infrastructure across Michigan. MDARD will accept applications for the Last Food Mile Grant through the MIAgGrants portal until February 6, 2026, at 5pm ET. Prospective applicants can learn more by watching the recording of our Grant Info Session . You can also find more information about this funding opportunity by reviewing the Last Food Mile Grant Guidelines . Frequently Asked Questions about the Last Food Mile Grant Eligibility: Eligible applicants for this grant program must be a Michigan-based farm business or a Michigan-based food business/organization that works directly with Michigan-based farmers. Process: December 16, 2025 Application Available Date February 6, 2026 Application Due Date Due 5pm ET February 9, 2026 To March 31, 2026 Projected Application Review Period April To May 2026 Targeted Grant Award Announcement Period Key Grant Criteria: Please see the Last Food Mile Grant Guidelines  for a full list of required and preferred grant criteria. The project must expand delivery of Michigan grown or produced foods to buyers who will be eating or preparing the food ( individual stops and other retail, etc.). The project must establish or expand at least one partnership with another business or organization to address local food distribution challenges regionally or locally. See partnership examples in the full Last Food Mile Grant Guidelines The project proposal must demonstrate how the following goals will be met and describe targets for each. Increase the volume/weight of Michigan grown foods sold in Michigan communities. Increase the dollar value of Michigan grown foods sold AND the revenue to Michigan farmers. Increase the number of Michigan farmers reached, including those who use regenerative practices. Increase local and regional market access for a broader geographic distribution of Michigan farmers. Increase the number or types of consumers who have access to Michigan grown foods. Preference will be given to projects that develop market channels for regenerative agriculture  products. Preference will be given to projects that allocate at least 80% of the proposed budget to a refrigerated vehicle. Eligible refrigerated vehicles must be valued at $100,000 or less and paid in full by grant dollars. Definitions: Food Value Chains : The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service describes food value chains as a business strategy to “transform the traditional competitive seller/buyer relationships to a collaborative approach.” Value chains are trusting alliances among supply chain partners that recognize that creating maximum value for their products depends on mutual support. (Source: 2022 Michigan Good Food Charter