CDFA ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENT FOR REFRIGERATION GRANT RFP FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS

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SACRAMENTO, March 21, 2022 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) announces it is seeking public comment until April 4 on the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program request for proposals (RFP) for technical assistance providers.
 
The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program funds energy-efficient refrigeration equipment in corner stores, small businesses and food donation programs in low-income and low-food access areas, so they may stock California-grown produce, nuts, dairy, meat, eggs, minimally processed and culturally appropriate foods. The 2021 State Budget allocated $20 million for HRGP expansion over two fiscal years and the first round of grants is directed toward establishing technical assistance providers (TAPs).
 
The purpose of the RFP released for public comment is to solicit TAPs to conduct activities in one or both of the following categories:

1. Outreach and Application Assistance: to promote the program to eligible applicants and assist interested parties to apply for equipment awards through CDFA-F2F in fall of 2022 and 2023; and

2. Technical Expertise: to provide subject matter expertise in refrigeration equipment, energy efficiency, global warming potential standards and/or best “healthy retail” practices, including stocking, promoting and selling fresh foods in a profitable and sustainable way.
 
The RFP can be viewed on the Healthy Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program webpage.
 
The RFP is open for public comment from 8 a.m. PT March 21, 2022, until 5 p.m. PT April 4, 2022. CDFA-F2F will consider comments received before finalizing the RFP and when developing future HRGP RFPs.
 
Stakeholders may submit comments by email to cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov. Include “Refrigeration RFP Comments” as the subject line.
 

CDFA-F2F also will hold a webinar for stakeholders to hear about the RFP and provide comments 3-5 p.m. Monday, March 28. See the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program webpage webpage for details and to register for this online session.

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