Food Retail Improvement and Development Grants (FRIDG): Technical Assistance Provider Support

The Food Retail Improvement and Development Grant (FRIDG) Program, formerly known as the Good Food Access Program (GFAP), increases the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods (including fruits and vegetables) for underserved communities in low- and moderate-income areas.

FRIDG: Technical Assistance Provider Support Grants are intended to assist technical assistance (TA) providers in working with new or existing for-profit, nonprofit, and cooperative self-service retail food establishments with needs-based assistance.

Are you a food retailer needing to purchase equipment or make physical improvements? Look at the FRIDG: Retailer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant to see if you're eligible.

Eligible applicants

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and for-profit businesses with capabilities to provide TA to eligible grocery stores and small food retailers are eligible to apply. See the request for proposals (RFP) for more details.

TA providers must help grocers and small food retailers that are either located in or serving an underserved community.

Underserved communities are defined as a geographic area or group of people whose food access needs are not met by existing retail options. Examples include:

• A low-income and moderate-income area
• A low-income and low-access area, commonly called a "food desert," as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture
• An area where there is a limited number of grocery stores
• A group of people with particular needs such as the aging population, people with disabilities, or people with special dietary needs or preferences, or as otherwise defined by the commissioner

Eligible projects

Eligible expenses include costs associated with providing appropriate TA to eligible recipients. Projects include but are not limited to:

• Individual guidance, presentations, workshops, training, printed materials, mentorship opportunities, peer-to-peer opportunities, and other guidance and resources on relevant topics such as:
  • Business planning, sales projections, cash flow, succession planning, financing, and marketing
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) eligibility
  • Food procurement or distribution, handling and merchandising fresh foods, and food preparation demonstrations
  • Workforce training

TA providers may request up to 5% or $2,500, whichever is less, of the total project costs to be used to increase institutional knowledge that is directly related to the assistance that will be provided to TA recipients.

Amount available

Minimum award: $5,000
Maximum award: $100,000

A 25% cash match is required.

How to apply

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

• Before you apply, read the FY2026 FRIDG: Technical Assistance Provider Support Grant RFP (PDF) for eligibility, requirements, and priorities.
• Apply for the FRIDG: Technical Assistance Provider Support Grant.
  • If you are a new user, you’ll need to create an account first. Use this how-to guide (PDF) to help set up your account.
  • Once you’re logged in, select “FRIDG: Technical Assistance Provide Support Grant FY26”.
  • After you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Contact MDA.AGRIGrants@state.mn.us if you do not receive this email.
• Apply early so there is enough time to get technical assistance if needed. It’s best practice to submit your application at least 24 hours in advance.

Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.

Timeline and deadlines