Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program
Forecasted
The Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program supports nonprofit food assistance organizations in buying and distributing food to Tribal elders across Wisconsin while strengthening Tribal food sovereignty and food producers.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1.5 million per applicant; $1.5 million available in the 2026 cycle
Summary: Grants help nonprofit food assistance organizations distribute food to Tribal elders while supporting participating food producers and processors.
Key Information: Projects must serve multiple Tribal Nations in Wisconsin and distribute purchased food to Tribal members at no cost.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) runs this program to help nonprofit food assistance organizations purchase and distribute food to Tribal elders. It also supports the growth and operations of participating producers and processors from Tribal Nations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa, as well as other Wisconsin producers and processors. DATCP connects the program to Tribal food sovereignty and the distribution of culturally appropriate foods.
Projects may receive priority for purchasing whole or minimally processed foods and food from Tribal producers; serving multiple Tribal Nations; and pooling resources or partnerships to improve sourcing and delivery. The program launched in 2024 and received an annual $1.5 million appropriation in Wisconsin’s 2025–2027 state budget.
