High Tunnel Grant Program

Funder: Superior Health Foundation (distributed through U.P. Food Exchange and U.P. Food as Medicine Team)

Geographic Scope: Upper Peninsula of Michigan (one farm per regional planning district)

Purpose: Address food insecurity in the Upper Peninsula by providing grants for high tunnel infrastructure improvements that increase production and distribution of fresh, locally grown produce.

Background: The program is part of the "Prescription for Health" initiative, which provides vouchers to individuals at risk for or diagnosed with chronic health conditions who have economic barriers to purchasing fresh produce. Year three of the program focuses on high tunnel grants (previous years awarded cold storage grants).

Award Details:

• Up to $12,000 per farm for materials and labor to build high tunnel structures
• Propagation structures also allowable
• Includes access to technical assistance for construction
• Three awards available (one per regional planning district)

Eligibility Requirements:

• For-profit farm business located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
• Must have produce to sell in the 2024 agricultural season
• Not a past awardee of UPFE infrastructure grants
• Proposed high tunnel must be new kit from manufacturer with W-trusses
• Must provide photo of proposed site
• Must commit to work with UPCAP on future Prescription for Health programs (up to 4 years), which may include:
  • Accepting Prescription for Health vouchers under future funding
  • Providing food at wholesale price to Head Start or Meals on Wheels (if capacity allows)
• Must provide proof of effective food safety practices (GAP certification or technical assistance from UP Produce Safety Technician)
• Must be able to complete construction within grant timelines
• Must provide proof of ownership or land lease agreement
• Must participate in follow-up survey, site visit, and wrap-up interviews
• Must sign media release for promotional/marketing use of project photos/videos
• Must maintain and share record keeping data, receipts, invoices, and proof of purchases

What Funding Covers:

• High tunnel kit
• Endwalls
• Venting systems
• Materials (lumber, delivery charges)
• Excavation (if necessary)
• Electrical work
• On-farm labor (reimbursement limited to $500 total)
• Contracted external labor (can exceed $500)

What Funding Does NOT Cover:

• Travel and meal expenses
• On-farm labor exceeding $500 (contracted labor allowed)

Timeline (2024):

• Applications opened: February 28, 2024
• Awards announced: April 3, 2024

Contact Information: info@upfoodexchange.com or 906-225-0671 x 723

Application Process

1. Pre-Application Preparation:
   • Review all requirements and eligibility criteria
   • Review the grant rubric
   • Review budget template
   • Complete full list of application questions (available for review before starting application)
   • Prepare detailed budget and supporting documentation
2. Required Documentation:
   • Photo of proposed site where high tunnel will be placed
   • Detailed budget using provided template including:
   • Cost of kit
   • Endwalls cost
   • Venting cost
   • All other materials and work costs
   • Excavation estimates (if necessary)
   • Electrical work costs
   • Lumber and materials
   • Delivery charges for shipped materials
   • Estimated labor costs (on-farm and contracted)
   • Actual quotes for materials and services
   • Proof of ownership or land lease agreement for the site
   • Proof of effective food safety practices (GAP certification or participation in food safety technical assistance)
   • Proof of insurance covering the structure (if not before project begins, then before final funds distributed)
3. Application Submission:
   • Complete online application form
   • Note: Application cannot be saved mid-process; prepare all information before beginning
   • Submit by March 27, 2024 at 5pm
4. Selection Process:
   • Grant rubric used to evaluate applications with transparency
   • Points awarded individually by grant selection team members
   • Aggregate top point holders considered for awards
   • Application questions designed to support new and beginning farms
   • Selections made by board appointed by UPFE and FAM network (includes agriculture, construction, and grants/administration expertise)
5. Post-Award:
   • Sign contract with UPCAP identifying terms and conditions
   • Work with UPFE to customize grant fund distribution system
   • All purchases and reimbursements subject to approval by UPFE and UPCAP
   • Large purchases paid directly to vendor by UPCAP when possible
   • Direct reimbursement available with pre-approved receipts
   • Submit all receipts, invoices, and proof of purchases
   • Full grant funds must be spent on accepted items or funds must be repaid
   • Participate in follow-up survey, site visit, and wrap-up interviews upon completion