We're no longer accepting applications for this year's program. The fiscal year (FY) 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected to be released in late December 2025 or early January 2026.
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 census tract that is federally designated as a food desert 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:
- Sustainability-focused individualized 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: $50,000
Collaborative projects including multiple TA providers may request up to $200,000.
A 25% cash match is required.
Applying
The application period for this grant has ended. We expect the next application period to begin in late 2025; check back for updated program materials.
To learn more about the program and start planning for next year, read the 2024 Good Food Access Technical Assistance RFP (PDF). This grant program is subject to change so you should read the updated RFP when it's posted. You can also view our list of past projects and request a copy of an application to help you prepare.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
