Grant Funding Available for Projects to Improve Food Access in Underserved Communities

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting grant applications for projects designed to improve access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, for underserved communities in low- and moderate-income areas.

Grant applications are due by 4:00 p.m. CDT on March 14, 2018. The funding is available through the Good Food Access Program (GFAP).

These grants will assist organizations providing needs-based technical assistance to new or existing for-profits, non-profits, public agencies, and cooperative self-service retail food establishments.

“We’re looking for applicants pursuing a range of projects that provide expertise to food retailers,” said MDA Local Food and Nutrition Program Coordinator Ashley Bress.

“Projects that provide trainings, workshops, printed materials, mentorship opportunities, sustainability-focused individual guidance, and business planning would all fit into that category.”

The MDA will award up to $135,000 in this round of GFAP Technical Assistance Grants.

Proposals are due at 4:00 p.m. CDT on March 14, 2018. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $75,000 and must contribute 25 percent of project costs.

For more information, including a list of eligibility requirements, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/gfaptechassistance.

An additional $135,000 will be available in the spring of 2018 for grocers and small food retailers for the purchase of equipment or to make physical improvements to increase the sales of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods.

For more information, please visit www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/gfapequipmentgrant.