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.
Eligible applicants
The following groups are eligible to apply:
- For-profit and nonprofit 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 sell nutritious and culturally appropriate foods (including fresh fruits and vegetables). The request for proposals (RFP) outlines additional requirements, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorization.
Eligible projects
Funds must be used for projects that will increase the sales of nutritious and culturally appropriate foods. Eligible expenses include:
- Equipment (like coolers and freezers)
- Installation costs for eligible equipment
- Costs for physical improvements needed for installing equipment (like electrical or architectural work)
Eligible areas
Projects must serve census-designated food deserts or low- or moderate-income areas that have substantial subpopulations (such as the aging population or those living with a disability) who have low supermarket access. To determine your project's eligibility:
- Visit the U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb viewer.
- Type in the address where the project will be occurring.
- On the upper left side of the screen, click the icon labeled “Layers” and select the box labeled “Census Tracts and Blocks.”
- On the map, locate the census tract and number for your project location.
- Visit the Good Food Access Eligible Areas page. If your census tract number is listed, 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.
- If your project isn't in an eligible area, it may qualify if you can reasonably justify how you serve residents of eligible areas.
Amount available
We expect to award up to $935,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2025.
Minimum award: $5,000
Maximum award: $75,000
A cash match is not required.
Pre-award risk assessment requirement
We are required to complete a pre-award risk assessment of grantees selected to receive a grant award of $50,000 or greater. Visit the Pre-Award Risk Assessment webpage to see what documents you will need to submit if selected for funding.
Applying
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on January 16, 2025.
- Before you apply, read the FY 2025 Request for Proposals (PDF) for program guidelines and eligibility rules.
- Apply online.
- If you are a new user, you’ll need to create an account first.
- Once you’re logged in, select “Good Food Access Program: Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant FY25.”
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
