Good Food Access Program Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant

NOTICE: Due to an issue with our grant application software, we are extending the deadline to
4:00 pm Central Time on Monday, March 20, 2023.

The Good Food Access Program (GFAP) Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant 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. Grants help grocery stores and small food retailers make physical improvements and purchase equipment to stimulate sales of such foods.

Applicant eligibility

The following groups are eligible to apply:

• For-profit and non-profit grocery stores
• Small food retailers, such as corner stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, mobile food markets, or retail food outlets operated by an emergency food program or food hub

All applicants must be engaged in the sale of nutritious and culturally appropriate foods (including fresh fruits and vegetables). The Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines additional requirements of applicants and grantees, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorization.

Project eligibility

GFAP funding can be used to purchase equipment (such as coolers and freezers) and to make physical improvements.

Projects must serve census-designated food deserts or low- or moderate-income areas that have substantial subpopulations (such as the elderly or disabled) who have low supermarket access. To determine your project's eligibility:

1. Visit the U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb viewer.
2. Type in the address where the project will be occurring.
3. On the upper left side of the screen, click the icon labeled “Layers” and select the box labeled “Census Tracts and Blocks.”
4. On the map, locate the census tract and number for the project location.
5. Visit the Good Food Access Eligible Areas page. If your census tract number is listed on this page, your location is a food desert or low-or moderate-income area and is eligible for GFAP funding. You may also check the GFAP Ineligible Areas list to confirm that your census tract is not eligible. Projects may qualify if they can reasonably justify how they serve residents of eligible areas.

Amount Available

We expect to award up to $320,750 in Fiscal Year 2023.

Minimum award: $2,500
Maximum award: $50,000

Applying

Applications are due by 4:00 pm Central Time on Monday, March 20, 2023 (previously Thursday, March 16).

Apply online.

• If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
• Once you are logged in, select GFAP Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant FY23.

Before you apply, read the 2023 GFAP Equipment and Physical Improvement Request for Proposals (PDF) for eligibility, requirements, and priorities. You can also view the list of past projects and request a copy of up to three applications to help you prepare.

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