First State Food System Program Opens Third Grant Application Cycle

DDA logo next to the words Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy, underneath their are icons of an apple, food plate with fork and knife, and chickenDOVER, Del. (March 18, 2024) — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced today that the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council) is accepting grant applications for Cycle 3 of the First State Food System Program. Through this program, funding is available to Delaware farmers and a diverse range of food supply chain entities. Awarded funds will aid local entities in expanding capacity, coordinating with partners in their communities, and doing their part to build resilience in Delaware’s food system.

The Council has awarded just over $1.3 million since 2022, funding 26 projects across Delaware. With two grant cycles awarded, the Council has learned from applications submitted just what the needs are in Delaware communities regarding the food supply chain and food system.

The Council will devote a portion of Cycle 3 funds to prioritize projects addressing food aggregation, cold storage, or transportation activities. In addition, applicants should also describe how the project may benefit more operations than one, how the project will enhance the local food system, and foster cooperation or facilitate resource sharing. They should also have a sustainability plan to continue the work beyond the grant funding.

All applicants must complete registration through SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Applicants must meet this requirement before receiving funding. Please allow sufficient time to complete this process, which may take several weeks.

Like last year, farmers and food supply chain entities are encouraged to apply. To be considered for funding as a producer, the farm operation must have an annual sales value of at least $20,000. The farm must actively produce no more than 300 acres of fruits, vegetables, other specialty crops, or other products for human consumption. Larger-scale producers can apply, but projects should include partnerships or collaborations with other local entities or initiatives.

The First State Food System Program will again offer grants from $2,500 to $150,000. Applicants must submit a project that can be completed no later than October 31, 2026, with funds committed no later than December 1, 2025. Funds may be used to make specific, one-time purchases for equipment or other capital expenses or expended in numerous ways to cover various operational, administrative, or capital expenses. All grant applications must be submitted by Friday, May 10, 2024.

The Council is working with the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) to facilitate the First State Food System Program through its grant application portal. This partnership allows applicants to apply to this grant program more efficiently and learn more about additional opportunities available through DCF. While DCF is facilitating the grant application process, this is not a grant program of the DCF.

The online application is available at https://delcf.org/grants. Click “Apply Now” anywhere on the page to log in or create a new profile. Once logged in, click “Apply” at the top of the page. Select “Delaware’s First State Food System Program” from the list of open opportunities to complete and submit an application and upload supporting documentation.

The funding for this program is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law by President Joe Biden and championed by members of Delaware’s congressional delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester.

Contact the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy for grant program questions at DDA_farmandfoodpolicy@delaware.gov. Complete program information can be found at https://farm-and-food-delaware.hub.arcgis.com/. For technical assistance using the DCF grant portal, applicants can contact Kelly Sheridan at ksheridan@delcf.org.

###

 


Delaware Department of Agriculture Opens Request for Applications for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program

DOVER, Del. (March 12, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced today they are accepting applications for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) through April 30, 2024. Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), more than $1.7 million in competitive grant funding is available for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of Delaware’s food supply chain.

Funds will support expanded capacity for aggregating, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food products. These include specialty crops, dairy, grain for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products. Ineligible products include meat and poultry, fiber, wild-caught seafood, exclusively animal feed and forage products, fiber, landscaping products, tobacco, and dietary supplements.

RFSI is funded through Section 1001(b)(4) of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Using a standardized competitive review process, DDA will award two types of grants:

Simplified Equipment-Only Projects, using a simplified application to fund smaller grants between $10,000 and $100,000. This project option is a fixed-price grant, which will fund only equipment purchases. Applicants cannot use these funds for associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs. The amount awarded will only equal the equipment cost up to $100,000. No match is required for this type of grant project.
Infrastructure Grants, with a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $1,156,597 for infrastructure projects and activities. Infrastructure grant applicants must contribute 50% of the proposed project cost as a match to the grant unless the applicant qualifies for a reduced match as outlined in the Request for Applications (RFA).

Based upon stakeholder outreach, Delaware is seeking projects that provide technical assistance to producers working to develop value-added products, expand access to climate-smart technologies for farmers and food waste management, and increase the number of facilities that support product aggregation, cold storage, warehousing, and distribution of targeted agricultural products.

Applications should be submitted by agricultural producers or processors or nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, local government entities, and tribal governments operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers’ middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, and distribution of targeted agricultural products may apply. All businesses and organizations must be domestically owned, and project facilities must be physically located in Delaware.

To review Delaware’s RFA and other Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program documents, visit https://de.gov/rfsi. Using the link on this website, applicants can apply for the RFSI grant through the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) application portal. The DCF online portal allows applicants to submit their applications more easily. While DCF is facilitating the grant application process, this is not a grant program of the DCF.

DDA will host an informational webinar about the RFSI grant program at 10 a.m. on March 21, 2024. RFSI virtual office hours for prospective applicants to connect with the Delaware Department of Agriculture on the grant process are scheduled for April 4 and April 18 at 10 a.m. Registration is required for each session and will be available online at https://de.gov/rfsi.

###


Governor Carney, Delaware Department of Technology and Information, Share Broadband Update, Next Steps

Nearly 6,000 homes and businesses connected through ARPA funding in last year, with remaining locations to be connected by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, other federal funding

SMYRNA, Del. – Governor John Carney joined state leaders and representatives of Comcast, Verizon, Mediacom, and the Communication Workers of America (CWA) at the Innovation Technology Exploration Center to celebrate progress on broadband expansion and preview next steps. With federal investments from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated by Governor Carney, Delaware has successfully connected nearly 6,000 homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband in the last year. Delaware is on track to become the first state in the nation to be fully-connected.

President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans, and Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.

“Our goal is to have Delaware be the first state in the country to connect every home and business to high-speed internet within the next few years. If there is any state that can connect every home and business, it ought to be Delaware,” said Governor John Carney. “Every family deserves high-quality internet for school, work, and entertainment. I want to thank the members of the federal delegation and the Biden Administration providing this funding. It’s really making a difference for Delawareans.”

In the last 12 months, the State of Delaware and Comcast, Medicom, and Verizon have made high-speed internet available for the first time to 5,859 homes and businesses, mainly in rural areas of the state. There are 372 locations remaining to be installed with ARPA funding. Those locations will be reached over the next few months. Once those residences are competed, the State of Delaware will have spent $33 million in ARPA funding on broadband connection.

To learn more about how Delawareans have benefitted from ARPA funding, visit Governor Carney’s website.

President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans. Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.

“The American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to deliver for Delaware – this time connecting thousands of our residents to broadband internet who didn’t have access before,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “The pandemic exacerbated many shortcomings with our broadband infrastructure, when so many Americans relied on it to connect to doctors for telehealth appointments, conduct schoolwork online, or work remotely. Today’s announcement connecting thousands of homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband is a win-win for Delaware and the success of these historic pieces of legislation.”

“The pandemic made clear just how necessary it is for every home in Delaware to have a fast, reliable, and affordable internet connection,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.  “I’m proud to have worked with President Biden to negotiate and pass both American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  These two critical pieces of legislation are directly benefiting Delawareans, sending millions of dollars to the state to ensure that all Delawareans can access the internet and critical digital services.”

“Having helped author the broadband provisions of the American Rescue Plan, as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I couldn’t be more proud that Delaware is on track to be the first state in the nation that is fully connected. Since day one of his Administration, President Biden has made clear his commitment to investing in the people and places that make America strong — and today, we’re celebrating those investments right here in Delaware,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Already almost 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses have been connected to the internet, and that means access to jobs, employment, health care and more. I’m thrilled to join Governor Carney and Senators Carper and Coons in celebrating this achievement for Delaware, and I look forward to keeping the momentum going with help of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“Investment in high-quality broadband is a game-changer for families, communities, and businesses. Today, there are families who can now access job information, telehealth, online reading materials and more thanks to these ARPA investments and commitment from our federal and state officials and partners. To close the digital divide and ensure every Delawarean is successful and thriving, it’s important to build on this work. Every household, every community deserves to be connected to high-speed internet,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

The Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) led this project for the State. DTI contracted providers already serving Delawareans with internet and found efficient ways for those providers to extend their existing networks using ARPA funding.

“Reliable and affordable high-speed internet is essential, and this investment of ARPA funding means that more than 6,000 additional Delaware homes and businesses will have the access they need,” said Greg Lane, CIO, Delaware Department of Technology and Information. “We know our work is far from over. Additional federal funding from the BEAD and Digital Equity Programs will support the connection of an estimated remaining Delaware 8,600 addresses, as well as help us ensure that everyone can take advantage of digital technologies that are accessible and affordable.”

“In partnership with Governor Carney and the Department of Technology and Information, Comcast is proud to complete the expansion of its Xfinity 10G Network to thousands of additional homes and businesses in rural Delaware,” said Michael Parker, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Beltway Region. “This is a great example of a public-private partnership that will not only help bridge the digital divide in rural Delaware, but also help fuel innovation and economic growth for decades to come.”

“We applaud Governor Carney and his team for their leadership in establishing a robust broadband program in Delaware,” said Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Public Policy & State Government Affairs for the DE, PA and NJ Region at Verizon. “Verizon is focused on delivering broadband internet services and this partnership expands high-speed broadband access to thousands of residents and will better connect our communities. We look forward to similar opportunities in other communities as they arise.”

“The public private partnership between the State of Delaware and Mediacom has brought world-class broadband services to nearly 1,600 homes and businesses in rural Sussex County that were previously unserved,” said Chris Lord, Mediacom’s Director of Government Partnerships. “Governor Carney and the staff at the Delaware Broadband Office should be commended for their steadfast commitment to eliminating the digital divide for all Delawareans.”

“CWA members are proud to have played a role in Delaware’s successful use of ARPA funds to connect an additional 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses to high-speed internet,” said Mike Watson, President of the Communication Workers of America, Local 13101. “This is just the start. With an additional $107 million in federal funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Delaware can ensure that everyone in our state has access to reliable, high-speed internet services. And by setting high labor standards for broadband infrastructure projects, we can make sure it is done right, and create good, family-supporting jobs in the process.”

DTI is now planning to use Delaware’s funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to complete the work of connecting all Delaware homes and businesses, along with additional federal funding administered by the FCC. To learn more about broadband expansion in Delaware, visit the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s website.

###


Delaware Department of Agriculture Awards Over $665,000 for Innovative Projects to Improve Food Supply Chain

DOVER, Del. (July 24, 2023) — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) today announced it is awarding $665,872 in funding to 12 projects through the First State Food System Program. The program, managed by the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy, strengthens the local food system by supporting the broad food supply chain spectrum.

“We have had an outstanding response to the funding available through the First State Food System Program, demonstrating the continuing need to strengthen Delaware’s food supply chain infrastructure and create new and expanded markets for our farmers and producers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse.

The First State Food System Program is designed to highlight the interconnection of systems and processes that shape nutrition, food security, health, community development, and agriculture. Since this program began in 2022, nearly $350,000 has been awarded to projects addressing community food access and approximately $500,000 to projects improving processing capacity across the state.

T.A. Farms, LLC received Cycle 1 funding for their “Poultry Revamping Project.” Producer Elizabeth Carter shared, “We would process roughly 450 birds in about five hours with our old system. Our new system can process about 700 birds in the same amount of time. Especially during our holiday season, this allows us to process the birds efficiently, allowing for a fresher product. The beneficiaries are all the consumers looking for fresh local meat, the organizations we have donated to, and our family members. Creating a physically easier work environment allows our family members to think about the future. It allows us the mindset to think long-term in the meat business.”

Awards are approved to support projects in each county. Each awarded project is designed to help Delaware’s food supply chain. The planned work will focus on one or more of the following: food processing, distribution, community access, and food production. In this year’s funding for Cycle 2:

• 50% of projects were awarded to Delaware farms.
• 34% of the projects were awarded to community organizations focused on community development, nutrition education, and food access.
• Many of the projects related to processing, storage, and distribution include the collaboration of two or more food supply chain operators.

The First State Food System Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. Passed by Congress, ARPA was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.

Projects funded in Cycle 2 include the following:

Production
Bennett Orchards LLC, Wind Machine Freeze Protection to Mitigate Climate Change Effects and Strengthen Local Fruit Supply

Transportation
Marvelous Produce, Strengthening Delaware’s Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain – Farm to End User

Markets and Industry
Powers Farm, Farm Store Expansion

Food Waste
Food Bank of Delaware, Compact Membrane Fresh Produce Preservation Phase 2

Processing
Fifer Orchards, Local Food System – Farm-to-Table Kitchen
Dittmar Family Farms LLC, Vegetable Processing and Cold Storage Expansion (Also includes storage and distribution)
D & J Custom Cutting, Ready-to-Eat Meat Processing
TA Farms LLC, Value-added Products

Storage and Distribution
Love-in-Deed Community Development, Food Closet Capacity Building & Super Foods Urban Garden Project

Community Access
La Red Health Center, Sussex County Community Fridge Program
Teach a Person to Fish Society, Milton Pantry Garden Beds
Wilmington Alliance, Growing West Center City: 7th & West Streets Community Garden

Last year, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market (HLFM) received funding for their project – Strengthening the Farm to Pantry Food System in Sussex County. HLFM Volunteer Nancy Staisey stated, “Volunteers and farmers both embraced the expansion of this program. The small farms are very enthusiastic about this program as they can sell more product while being able to feed those in need.”

The Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy plans to open the window for the last round of funding under the First State Food System Program beginning in February 2023. Complete program information can be found at https://farmandfood.delaware.gov.

The Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy strives to facilitate and support a local food system where farmers can access viable markets, Delaware households can access nutritious and wholesome food options within their communities, and where the impacts of supply chain disruptions can be diminished.

###


Gov. Carney, Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, Senators Carper & Coons, Rep. Blunt Rochester Announce ARPA Housing Initiatives

Investments totaling nearly $6 million focused on communities hardest hit during the pandemic

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney, U.S. Senators Carper and Coons, and Representative Blunt Rochester announced Monday nearly $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) capital projects funding (CPF) to nonprofit organizations that provide much needed housing services. This funding is in addition to the $65 million in capital projects announced this past March for community center projects and $40 million distributed to libraries throughout all three counties to benefit those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Delaware has now received approval for the full $112 million in CPF funds that were allocated to Delaware through the ARPA CPF program.

Learn more about the Capital Project Fund investments in Delaware at de.gov/cpf

The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. ARPA was passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.

“These capital funds are already at work to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans. You can see it in our libraries and community centers across the state,” said Governor Carney. “The projects announced today will assist some of our most vulnerable neighbors – those dealing with lack of safe and affordable housing. I want to thank the Congressional delegation for their advocacy and look forward to seeing significant results from these investments.”

“The American Rescue Plan continues to deliver to help our most vulnerable residents in Delaware,” said Senator Carper. “This will help organizations on the front lines of helping shelter and uplift our homeless, and I thank Governor Carney and my fellow congressional delegation members for their hard work to get this funding out the door.”

“Three years after its passage, the American Rescue Plan is still paying dividends for Delaware communities with the greatest need,” said Senator Coons. “These investments will help build and restore facilities serving families, individuals, and veterans experiencing homelessness, and ensure that more of our neighbors can find safe, decent, and affordable housing in southern and central Delaware.”

“When drafting the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we thought about what investments must be made to strengthen the communities that keep Delaware moving,” said Representative Blunt Rochester. “We know that housing is foundational to everything – from education to employment. That’s why the investment we’re celebrating today is so critical because it’s going to help give individuals, families, and veterans the resources they need not just to survive but to thrive with dignity. I’m proud to have worked with Senators Carper and Coons to pass ARPA last Congress so that we can continue our efforts to expand access to and supply of safe, affordable, and reliable housing across the First State.”

“The rising cost of housing is putting the pressure on Delaware families. A person’s financial and physical health starts with having a roof over their head; that’s why these projects will provide much needed relief to veterans and our most vulnerable community members,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “I thank our Congressional delegation for securing these critical investments at a time when they will do the most good.”

The funding announced on Monday will provide:

  • $350,000 to The Home of the Brave in Milford to renovate the facility to serve more homeless veterans and provide services to homeless veterans in Delaware including individual case management, mental health counseling, life skills training and educational services.
  • More than $2.4 million to The Springboard Collaborative to support this nonprofit organization’s initiatives to build shelter villages for homeless adults in southern and central Delaware in  low-income areas hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • $470,000 to the Delmarva Clergy United in Social Action Foundation in Ellendale for renovations to expand the number of beds to keep homeless off the streets in Sussex County, in a safe, socially distant physical space.
  • $2.5 million to Children and Families First to support an extensive renovation of their Seaford House Transitional Residence. Seaford House serves youth in foster who receive round the clock support from specially trained staff who provide ongoing intensive therapy, case management, and life skills training. Planned expansion and upgrades include adding bedrooms to allow for single-occupancy rooms, improving HVAC systems to support appropriate ventilation, building outdoor spaces to accommodate services and recreation, and more.

Delaware submitted its ARPA Capital Projects plan to the U.S. Treasury on January 14, 2022, and the first batch of projects were approved on May 1, 2023. Delaware’s Project Plan for housing projects was approved on July 19, 2023.

For those applications that meet the strict federal requirements, the criteria used to review the proposed projects included whether the projects are shovel ready, have financial support beyond the federal stimulus funding, and could sustain the investments beyond the federal stimulus. The projects also must be located in communities hardest hit by the pandemic, and each project must enable education, work, and health monitoring.

To view the Treasury’s guidelines for ARPA allocations, click here

For a full list of Delaware’s ARPA allocations, click here

###