As specified by NIFA, ISED offers direct support to individual projects throughout the year, via our staff, partners and expert consultants. This is available via email, phone, online sessions, and, occasionally, via in-person meetings. This is where your specific priorities can be addressed.  To set up an appointment visit the contact page.

As part of responding to your needs, we may also direct you to USDA NIFA for questions related to the technical aspects such as matching funds documentation, reporting, leadership changes, or financial management of your grant.

We offer trainings on a wide range of topics relevant to community food projects. Through our partnership with the Wallace Center and the Food Systems Leadership Network, we co-facilitate the Community Food Projects Community of Practice, a monthly webinar series that brings in thought leaders within different topics.

We run peer-2-peer discussion groups centered on project topics, giving grantees and opportunity to connect with and learn from each other.

We bring in experts to run trainings around areas such as evaluation, food safety, or community engagement.

As required by NIFA in the terms of your grant, all active recipients must attend an annual Project Director Meeting. This meeting is organized by us, and is either in person or virtual.