CDFA ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHY REFRIGERATION GRANT PROGRAM

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SACRAMENTO – November 21, 2022 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) is seeking public comment on a Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program request for applications (RFA), anticipated to be released in mid-December. Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. PT, December 12, 2022.

Two webinars will be held to provide information about the RFA and hear public comments. An English-language webinar will be 3-4:30 p.m. November 30 and a Spanish-language webinar will be 3-4:30 p.m. December 1. Click here to register for either webinar.

The purpose of the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program is to improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities while promoting California-grown agriculture -- through funding energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration and freezer equipment in corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-food access areas throughout the state. The equipment is funded to stock California-grown fresh produce, nuts, eggs, meat and dairy products, as well as minimally processed and culturally appropriate foods.

Eligible entities for this program include corner stores, small businesses, food donation programs and nonprofits working with eligible sites and/or selling or donating food in low-income or low-access areas. Cities, counties, nonprofits or Tribal governments may also apply for equipment on behalf of eligible sites and may apply for up to 20% of total grant awards to provide technical assistance.

The RFA and registration for the informational webinars can be viewed on the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program webpage. Stakeholders may submit comments by email to cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov.

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