Welcome! This is a pilot project designed to help Interior Alaska communities plan and apply for funding through the USDA’s Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program. Through the spring of 2011, the Cooperative Extension Service is offering technical assistance in community food project planning and grant application preparation to the 42 tribal communities in the Tanana Chiefs Conference region (see map below). CES is  collaborating with Calypso Farm and Ecology Center, drawing upon their expertise in low tech, organic farming methods that are tested here in Fairbanks. They also contribute valuable experience in developing a successful CFP: their Gardens in Schools project was awarded a CFP grant in 2007. 

This website is a work in progress; check back often for updates, additions and CFP news. The focus will be on gathering and presenting information, ideas and resources s for designing community food projects that address some of the unique aspects of food security in Alaska – especially for communities that are remote and off the road system.  

For complete information on the USDA’s Community Food Project Competitive Grants Program, including grant guidelines, timelines and application, the CFPCGP web page is the best place to start.

For more information about training and technical assistance, contact Mara Bacsujlaky, Project Coordinator, at mara.bacsujlaky@alaska.edu or by phone at 907-474-5741.