Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Assistance (FA) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the third round of Resiliency Grants in May 2023.

To help address critical needs of hunger relief organizations across Washington, WSDA FA is offering the Resiliency Grants Program with approximately $5 million in federal funding to eligible hunger relief organizations, including those not currently participating in FA core programs. We encourage all eligible organizations involved in hunger relief work in Washington State to apply.

The Resiliency Grants Program is funded by Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery fund as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and in response to COVID-19 and its long-lasting impacts. This program contributes to WSDA’s ongoing Focus on Food Initiative, which aims to ensure access to a safe and nutritious supply of food to support a healthy and thriving Washington population. The Resiliency Grants and Initiatives Committee, a diverse advisory group, helps inform the design of this program.

Funding priorities: This funding will prioritize:

• Representation across funding categories.
• Statewide representation to meet critical organizational and community needs.
• Addressing the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19 on organizations and service communities.
• Underserved communities including rural or less densely populated regions, tribes, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
• Projects that can be accomplished within the agreement period considering current supply chain challenges.

Funding objectives: Through this program, WSDA will fund projects that bring immediate benefit to the community and target the following objectives:

• Food: Food purchases for distribution as groceries or meals; costs associated with transporting food; delivery vehicles; culturally familiar foods; etc.
• Operations: Costs associated with regular or expanded operations (rent, insurance, staffing, supplies, etc.)
• Client Services: To support inclusive and welcoming service environments; increased access to services and reduced barriers; costs associated with concepts that enhance the client experience such as client-choice models and translation; etc.

Funds will be awarded under the following categories:

• Small equipment under $4,999.99: A shorter application with fewer reporting requirements. Hosted by Harvest Against Hunger www.harvestagainsthunger.org/refrigerated-capacity-grants.
• FA Core Program Participants: At least 45% of awards will be to organizations who currently participate (or have since 2019) in FA core programs*. Maximum award size $125,000.00.
• Non-FA Core Program Participants: At least 30% of awards will be to organizations who have never participated (or not since 2019) in FA core programs*. Maximum award size $100,000.00.
• TEFAP and/or CSFP Sub Agencies: At least 15% of awards will be to organizations who are currently sub agencies of these programs. Funding for operational costs, including staffing. Maximum award size $20,000.00.

*FA Core Programs: EFAP, EFAP-Tribal, TEFAP, CFSP.

Percentages are subject to change to meet funding priorities and based on final applications.

Contract period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

Current and active System of Award Management (SAM) and Secretary of State (SOS) registrations are required. Additional information including definitions and eligibility requirements at agr.wa.gov/services/food-access/hunger-relief-resources/food-assistance-grants/resiliency-grants

Application guides will be translated into the following languages: Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Somali, Korean, Chinese Mandarin, Tagalog. If other languages or documents are needed, please contact foodassistancegrants@agr.wa.gov