Applications for Micro-Grants for Food Security are Now Open
An additional $2.6 million will be invested in Alaska’s agricultural economy through the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, administered by the Alaska Division of Agriculture on behalf of the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service. This fifth round of “micro” funding aims to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food products in food-insecure communities through small-scale agricultural-related projects such as gardening, herding, and livestock operations. Eligible entities (see “Eligibility” at bottom of email) may apply now for this competitive grant opportunity, with priority given to those in rural Alaskan communities that have significant levels of food insecurity.
The grant application period runs from Sept. 27 to Nov. 26, 2024 at 5pm.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the Request for Applications (also on the Micro-Grants for Food Security website). Funding is available in four categories:
- Small-Scale Gardening Projects ($2,500)
- Small-Scale Livestock, Poultry, Fencing, and Apiary Projects ($5,000)
- Food Processing and Storage Projects ($5,000)
- Greenhouse Projects ($5,000)
“With the additional $2.6 Million invested in Alaska, these micro-grants will continue to help many Alaskans gain access to a more secure local source of food to feed themselves, their friends and local community,” said Alaska Division of Agriculture Director Bryan Scoresby. “We encourage food insecure Alaskans who could benefit from this program and are interested in agriculture-related activities to apply for this grant opportunity.”
More detailed information on the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is available through the Division of Agriculture. Applications must be submitted electronically via the SmartSimple application portal. Applicants will be notified of their status upon conclusion of the review process and approval by the USDA (est. February 2025). Successful grantees will have one year to complete their projects. The Micro-Grants for Food Security website will include the most up-to-date timelines. Applicants who did not receive funding during previous grant cycles may reapply.
Public questions: email dnr.ag.grants@alaska.gov with “2024 MGFSP” in the subject line
Media contact: Amanda Swanson, dnr.ag.grants@alaska.gov with “media contact” in subject line; 907-761-3885
Cooper Landing Gem Newsletter
Enjoy our monthly newsletter, the Cooper Landing Gem, for updates and happenings in the Cooper Landing Community. In this issue you’ll find updates from Cooper Landing Library, Cooper Landing Trails, Cooper Landing School, and the Community Club. You’ll also find information for how to join the Chamber.
Potluck Gathering in Honor of Ben Sweeney
From gardening woes to dog training wins, from hunting and fishing stories to bonfires that crept into the early morning hours with endless laughs, Ben left us with great stories to tell and is already sorely missed.
In true Sweeney fashion, we’ll light a campfire – to share stories and a Cape Codder or Budweiser and host a potluck to share a favorite dish. (Also in true Sweeney fashion, campfire stories will likely not be appropriate for all audiences)
Join us on Saturday, October 12 from 4pm – 7pm, at the Cooper Landing Community Center.
If you’d like to bring something to share, please sign up on the Google Doc, linked below so we can ensure we have all things covered: Link to Google Doc – Potluck Sign Up
If you are unable to join us on Saturday but have photos or memories you’d like to share, please email me directly.
Stephanie Lesmeister
ferry.steph@gmail.com
+18476511515
Hotroot Happenings
Hello all you wonderful community members! I would like to take a second to sincerely thank you all for such an incredible summer. Seriously. The turnout was amazing and all the love and support Hotroot received in its first full season was a dream come true!
That being said, I am pleased to announce Hotroot is going to be continuing this winter at the Estes Brothers Grocery in Moose Pass! Opening night will be this Thursday October 10th
HOURS:
Thursdays 3-7 (soup dinner nights!)
Saturdays/Sundays 8 – 3 (brunch!)
THURSDAY NIGHT MENU:
Lasagna soup – A rich meaty bolognese inspired soup with lasagna noodles and topped with a scoop of herbed ricotta and fresh grated parmesan
Chicken and gnocchi – Creamy and comforting roasted chicken soup with spinach, carrot, and handmade sweet potato gnocchi
Minestrone – A healthier vegetarian and gluten free option that doesn’t skimp on those warm hearty flavors! This tomato based soup is chock full of veggies with herbs, kidney beans, and optional elbow noodles
All soups will come with a side of toasted garlic bread. Everything is made from scratch, with love, just for you! There will also be take-and-bake lasagnas available throughout the weekend in the deli case, along with to-go quarts of the chicken gnocchi soup and minestrone.
This is a dine-in or to-go weekly event. Reservations are not required, but are greatly appreciated so we can get an idea for attendance. Please text Wilson at (630) 800-9339 with your name, group size, and preferred arrival time!
Thank you all once again. We are so excited to see you at the Estes Brothers Grocery this winter, starting Thursday 3-7pm!
Wilson Wilson
+16308009339
Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program
There is a grant opportunity opening up in November for $10 million to help communities fight against the threat of wildfires. https://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/cwdgrants
The beetle killed spruce alone is enough of a hazard that many homes and businesses would be at risk if the wrong combination of things happened just about anywhere in Cooper Landing. I manage a business that, among other things, can turn biomass into biochar and energy. You can learn more about the business at http://www.rjobmt.com
An idea I have is to pursue the grant with RJOB as a contractor along with funds for others like CLES and the Firewise Task Force.
Eligibility: The grants are only for eligible projects developed by communities, Tribes, states, non-profits, and Alaska Native Corporations. Communities will receive priority for this program if they are a low-income area, recently impacted by disaster or in a wildfire hazard location.
Two aspects of this need to be sorted out prior to the application process:
What is the right non-profit or organization in Cooper Landing to be the lead on this?
There is a 25% match to the $10M grant which is $2.5M unless the community is low income or under-served. There is a chance Cooper Landing could get and interim waiver as under-served. That can be pursued once the proper organization is identified to pursue the grant
Please feel free to contact me with any questions as I have researched this with a number of local and state agencies.
Joe Arnone
joe@rjobmt.com
+14064072447
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at the Baptist Church annex Saturday mornings 9:00 and Wednesday nights 7:00. This is an open 12 step meeting. If you are curious or think you might have an issue with drinking or other addictions, come join us! The church is located at the corner of Snug Harbor Road and the Sterling Highway, next to the CL Emergency Services building. For more information, call (907)299-2855.