Genuine Foods announces Good Food Doing Good Microgrant Program
Grant program offers up to $7,500 to organizations and $2,500 to individuals to help scale efforts to grow or produce good food
January 20, 2021 -- NEW YORK -- This week, foodservice management leader Genuine Foods launched the Good Food Doing Good Microgrant Program. The program is designed to invest in small businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and communities that are contributing to a more equitable, just and sustainable food system in their areas.
In 2021, Genuine Foods specifically is seeking applicants located in proximity to New Orleans, Washington, D.C., New York and Boston. Organizations such as nonprofits, cooperatives, social enterprises, culinary incubators and workforce development programs who seek to scale their products and services are encouraged to apply for up to $7,500 in grant funding. Individual food entrepreneurs and food growers are also eligible for up to $2,500 in funding.
“We created the Good Food Doing Good Microgrant Program because we wanted a way to support like-minded organizations who are trying to improve lives and communities through high quality, culturally relevant food and overall food justice,” said Jennifer Calloway, chief program officer at Genuine Foods. “We hope that by participating in this grant program, socially-minded organizations can expand their missions and entrepreneurs can grow their businesses. While the grant might be one-time, our goal is to start mutually beneficial partnerships that help strengthen the local food ecosystems.”
Grantees will work directly with Genuine Foods chefs and dietitians to incorporate their food(s) into menus in each region with a goal of regular menu rotation. Preference will be given to growers or producers of healthy, culturally relevant foods that can fit USDA K-12 meal pattern requirements and for prepared items such as condiments, sauces, soups, stews, breads and entrees. Needs include producers of Halal foods, foods drawn from Indigenous, East and Southeast Asian, Asian-American, Caribbean, Latin, Latin-American, African and African-American cuisines; and regional specialities from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Gulf coast. Women-owned and led organizations and BIPOC-owned and led organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.
There are three submission periods open in 2021:
Spring submissions will be accepted through March 31, 2021.
Summer submissions will be accepted through July 30, 2021.
Fall/Winter submissions will be accepted through November 3, 2021.
To apply for the Good Food Doing Good Microgrant Program, please visit https://www.genuinefoods.com/good-food-doing-good. Questions about the microgrant program can be sent to contact@genuinefoods.com.
About Genuine Foods
Genuine Foods delivers high quality, fresh, culturally relevant food service programs to K-12 schools, higher education, seniors and communities across the country. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, regional supplier relationships and meals that celebrate local cultures and communities, Genuine Foods aims to improve the lives and livelihoods of people and communities so that their most vulnerable members can flourish. More information at www.genuinefoods.com.