The DICE Office calls upon members of Geisel, and Dartmouth NEXT to join us as we launch our #MLKFoodisMedicine initiative. This initiative aims to bring to the forefront a multitude of supportive programs and services that bridge the connection between food, nutrition, and health in the Upper Valley throughout 2026. At our Geisel 2026 MLK Day Awards Luncheon we announced that as a community we would focus on advancing health equity through nutrition, honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service by addressing food insecurity as a key component of healthcare.
Community members can apply for up to $250 of Mini-grant funding from the DICE Office. #MLKFoodisMedicine mini grants will support individuals or groups hosting food security, nutrition education, and volunteer projects. Dr. King viewed food insecurity as a severe moral failing rooted in systemic inequality rather than personal failure. He advocated for the "audacity to believe" that everyone deserved three daily meals, linking the eradication of poverty and hunger to the realization of true justice, dignity, and civil rights.
#MLKFoodisMedicine Mini grants offer eligible entities grant funding to recruit and engage volunteers in meaningful community service activities that honors Dr. King’s legacy by using "Food is Medicine" programs that provide fresh produce and nutritional education to vulnerable populations. Efforts include organized food drives, "dinner all day" donations for cancer support, and community-funded initiatives to provide nutritious, non-processed meals to underserved children. A community service activity is designed to improve the quality of life for community residents or to solve particular problems related to their needs. Preference will be given to applicants that collaborates with a community partner in the planning and execution of the activity.
This Mini-grant opportunity is available to Geisel students, staff, and faculty and Dartmouth NEXT members supporting Food is Medicine (FIM) activities and volunteerism between February 13, 2026, and June 15, 2026. This initiative has a rolling deadline; we will review applications as we receive them.
To view eligibility requirements and the application, please visit the application site. We look forward to partnering with you!