Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program
Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program supports nonprofit food assistance organizations in purchasing and distributing food to Tribal elders, advancing food sovereignty and supporting food producers.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
Due Dates: February 23, 2026 (2026 cycle) | November 4, 2026 (2027 cycle)
Funding Amounts: $1.5 million available for the 2027 cycle; requests up to $1.5 million, with no minimum or matching requirement
Summary: Grants support nonprofit food assistance organizations purchasing and distributing food to Tribal elders while supporting participating food producers and processors.
Key Information: Projects must serve multiple Wisconsin Tribal Nations and distribute purchased food to Wisconsin Tribal members at no cost.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) administers this program to fund nonprofit food assistance organizations purchasing and distributing food to Tribal elders. It also supports the growth and operations of participating Tribal food producers and processors in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa, as well as all Wisconsin food producers and processors.
Launched in February 2024, the program recognizes the significance of food sovereignty to Tribal Nations. Funding priorities include culturally appropriate, whole or minimally processed foods, purchases from Tribal producers, and partnerships that pool resources to streamline sourcing and delivery. The 2025–2027 Wisconsin State Budget provided $1.5 million annually for the program. Grants follow Wisconsin Administrative Code chapter ATCP 163.
