Here are some common questions about the Food Retail Improvement and Development Grant (FRIDG) Program.
If you have questions that are not addressed here or in the related request for proposals (RFP), email them to MDA.AGRIGrants@state.mn.us with "FRIDG Questions" in the subject line. We will post all questions and answers on this page.
Retailer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant Questions
Technical Assistance Provider Support Grant Questions
Retailer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant Questions
- We applied last year and got awarded a grant, can we apply again?
- Yes, you can apply again for the FRIDG grant, however, you must complete or forfeit your first project before being reimbursed for you next.
- My organization aggregates and packages local produce and ingredients for a meal box delivery program. Would this organization be considered an eligible entity as a "food hub"?
- Based on the information that you provided, it seems that the organization would meet the definition of a food hub and is eligible to apply.
- We are an organization that grows produce and then we bring it to a market where we it’s available for a free-will donation, so we aren’t a retailer. Are we eligible to apply? Would we need to be able to accept SNAP if we are funded?
- Based on the information provided, it does not sound like you would be eligible for this program as a retailer because the food is being distributed for donation, not sold. If you were a retailer and received a grant, you would need to accept SNAP before being reimbursed.
- Would an on-farm store qualify to apply for this program?
- Yes, this type of retail operation is eligible to apply. Any expenses related to producing and harvesting of the farm products would not be eligible.
- Could a city economic development authority (EDA) submit the application for a grocery store receive funding? The EDA has more experience writing grants and it would be far easier for them to accomplish the task than the business owner.
- Yes, an EDA is the perfect example of an organization applying on behalf of and acting as the fiscal agent for the eligible applicant (the retail grocery). The application could be submitted by the EDA with the EDA as the applicant and the fiscal host, or the EDA could assist the grocery in writing the application and have the grocer submit the application.
- Can FRIDG funds be used for pick-your-own farms?
- FRIDG funds cannot be used for the growing or harvesting of fruit from trees and bushes. However, many pick-your-own operations have facilities where customers come to pay for their fruit and buy pre-picked fruit and other items. FRIDG funding may be used to purchase coolers, shelving, etc. that is needed for retail purposes. The retail operation would need to meet all other eligibility criteria.
- Can FRIDG funding be used to support a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm?
- FRIDG funds cannot be used for the growing or harvesting of products. However, a CSA operation may need equipment such as coolers and refrigerated trucks in order to sell their shares and products. The CSA operation would need to justify how the equipment would be used to support retail sales in underserved communities.
- Can FRIDG funds be used for a food pantry or food shelf?
- No, FRIDG Equipment and Physical Infrastructure grants cannot be used for typical food shelf operations. These funds are intended to help retailers (i.e., sellers of unprepared foods) sell more affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. However, if the food shelf also operates a retail outlet, that portion of the organization may be eligible for FRIDG funding.
- Can FRIDG funds be used for a small restaurant?
- No, the FRIDG funding is not intended for restaurants, or foods intended for immediate consumption. Funding is limited to retailers, such as grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers’ markets.
- The liquor store in town is owned by the city. Are they eligible to apply for funding to update their coolers?
- Municipalities are eligible to apply for funding if the project meets the eligibility criteria listed in the RFP.
- We are an organization working with various retailers who hope to apply for grant funding. Can we apply for funding instead and sub-award the funding to the retailers in our area?
- No, sub-awarding is not allowed under this RFP. Organizations may apply on behalf of and act as fiscal agents for other organizations that meet the eligible applicant criteria but each project/retailer will need to submit their own application.
- If I have not established my retail business yet, but want to purchase equipment to help start my business, am I eligible to apply for funding?
- Individuals may apply for funding for a business that is in the development stage; however, if awarded funding, the grant contract will need to be made with the business instead of the individual and therefore must be established by that time. Applicants considering this route should plan to have their business established around the time that awards are announced (see RFP for timeline) to avoid contracting delays.
- We have two stores in two different counties. Do I need to fill out an application for each store or can I attach an addendum to an application?
- Each location should complete their own application.
- Does a retailer need to participate in SNAP to be eligible for this grant?
- Proposals that involve retailers not currently accepting SNAP will be reviewed. Grant contracts may be awarded to these applicants, but the applicant will not receive reimbursement for project expenses until the retailer is authorized to accept SNAP.
- Can funds be used to purchase a shipping container (to be used for produce and agricultural equipment storage) or for the equipment to make an existing shipping container more secure?
- Based on the information provided, this does not sound like an eligible use of FRIDG funding. Equipment purchased through FRIDG needs to be used to enhance the retail portion of your organization, rather than agricultural production. This sounds like it would be eligible for the AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant.
- Can FRIDG be used to install flooring in meat coolers to bring them to code?
- The flooring would be eligible as a physical improvement. If your business slaughters or processes Minnesota grown or raised meat, you may be eligible for the AGRI Value-Added Grant.
- Can we apply for a roof repair or replacement since the grant includes architectural items?
- The roof, and any associated architectural costs, would be eligible as a physical improvement.
- Can we buy land?
- No. Land and building purchases are listed as ineligible costs in the RFP.
- Can funds be used for the installation of equipment we already own but have not been able to install?
- Yes, FRIDG Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant funds may be used for installation costs.
- We are a new start-up food cooperative. Since we're at the very beginning of our process, we're wondering if "architectural work" extends to working with an architect on the overall design of the store?
- For the FRIDG grant program, “architectural work” would include physical improvements to the structure of a building, not the costs associated with working with the architect or developing plans.
- We are looking to add retail space on our farm to sell our processed beef. Would a small shed, including electrical and insulation, be eligible?
- Yes, expenses to expand or create retail space (including the structure and other necessary work like electrical and insulation) are eligible. You can find additional information about selling your meat products on our website.
- Are interior and exterior renovations to a building allowable expenses?
- Expenses that directly increase the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, culturally appropriate foods are generally allowable. For example, if an interior renovation allows for more shelf/freezer/cooler (retail) space for foods, then it directly impacts the availability of and access to foods and therefore could be eligible. For exterior renovations, a new store sign or awning does not necessarily increase availability of and access to food; however, adding a ramp or new exterior service door to allow for more frequent food deliveries may. In your application, you should justify how your planned renovation directly leads to an increase in availability of and access to food.
- What does "culturally appropriate foods" mean?
- Culturally appropriate foods are safe and nutritious foods that meet diverse tastes and needs based on cultural identity.
- Is a meat slicer eligible for funding?
- Up to $5,000 in processing equipment may be eligible if it increases access to food that is not prepared or intended for immediate consumption; however, these expenses are typically a better fit for our AGRI Value-Added or Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Grant programs. We would encourage you to apply to those programs.
- We completed a project last June in which we doubled the size of our produce department. Would we qualify for this grant?
- No, FRIDG funds can only be used to reimburse project expenses incurred after a grant contract has been signed.
- We would like to get started on our project sooner than the grant guidelines allow. Is it possible that we could start work now so that we can continue moving forward, and then be reimbursed if we are awarded the grant? The grant timeline doesn’t line up well with our project.
- No, unfortunately, we cannot change these guidelines. We can only reimburse for work done during the contract period. If there are certain parts of your project that would be completed during the grant contract period, those specific parts of the project may be eligible for reimbursement.
- What types of letters of support should we include?
- It’s up to you to determine if you include letters of support and who those letters would be from. We provide a few suggestions such as community-based organizations that are active in the healthy eating arena, local producers or distributors, and financial institutions that may be backing your project.
- Do we need to submit updated letters of support? We applied last year and were not funded.
- We recommend that you get new letters of support, even if they are from the same supporters and simply have the dates changed. Minor changes are fine. Reviewers tend to frown upon having letters of support with year old dates on them. Updated letters help demonstrate your commitment to the project.
- Is a match required?
- Yes, beginning in fiscal year 2026, a 25% cash match is required.
- Can applicants upload supporting materials like pictures at some point in the application process?
- Yes, we can accept supporting materials like pictures. The areas to do this are described in the application.
- Will the review committee have access to last year’s unfunded proposal?
- The review committee will not have access to your funded or unfunded proposals from last year. You’ll need to include all the information in this year’s proposal that you want the committee to have access to.
- We have a $75,000 project. Are we better off requesting the full amount or just a portion of it? Will the MDA award partial funding?
- The MDA sometimes awards partial funding because of limited resources or ineligible expenses. We can’t advise on whether you should request the full amount needed or just a portion of it. In your application, you should make a compelling case for your needs to help improve your chances of being funded.
- Do equipment quotes need to be submitted as a part of the application?
- Yes, include quotes/estimates provided by third parties or vendors in your application. This upload area is in the budget table section.
Technical Assistance Provider Support Grant Questions
- Do you have to live in the state of Minnesota to apply for the FRIDG Technical Assistance Provider Support grant?
- The agency applying for the grant doesn’t need to be in Minnesota, however, the proposed project and the retailers served by the project need to be in Minnesota.
