CDFA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHY REFRIGERATION GRANT PROGRAM

Español

SACRAMENTO, March 20, 2023 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) announces that the request for applications (RFA) is open for the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program. Applications must be submitted via CDFA’s new grant management system, AmpliFund, no later than 5 p.m. (PT), June 6, 2023.

The purpose of the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program is to improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities while promoting California-grown agriculture by 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.

The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program is funded through the 2021 and 2022 state budgets. Up to $9 million in funding is available for equipment grants during the current RFA. This is a competitive process.

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.

Access the RFA and learn how to apply on the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program webpage. Email cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov with any questions.

-30-