We're no longer accepting applications for this year's program. Details on this page apply to the 2024 round of funding.
The next application period opens in late 2025.
The Good Food Access Program (GFAP) increases the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, for underserved communities in low- and moderate-income areas.
GFAP Technical Assistance Grants are intended to assist technical assistance (TA) providers in working with new or existing for-profit, not-for-profit, and cooperative self-service retail food establishments with needs-based assistance.
Are you a food retailer needing to purchase equipment or make physical improvements? Look at the GFAP Equipment & Physical Improvement Grant to see if you're eligible.
Eligible applicants
Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and for-profit businesses with capabilities to provide TA to eligible grocery stores and small food retailers are eligible to apply. See the request for proposals (RFP) for more details.
TA providers must help grocers and small food retailers that are either:
- Located in or serving a census tract designated as a food desert, or
- Serving a substantial subpopulation, such as the aging population, those living with a disability, or those in a low- or moderate- income census tract who have low supermarket access.
Note:
- Go to the GFAP Eligible Areas webpage to see locations that qualify.
- Grocers and small food retailers aren't required to be in one of these areas, but they must serve its residents.
- Recipients of TA must agree to follow the conditions listed in the RFP.
Eligible projects
Eligible expenses include costs associated with providing appropriate TA to eligible recipients. Projects include but are not limited to:
- Sustainability-focused individualized guidance
- Presentations, workshops, training, printed materials, mentorship opportunities, peer-to-peer opportunities, and other guidance and resources on relevant topics such as:
- Business planning, sales projections, cash flow, succession planning, financing, and marketing
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) eligibility
- Food procurement or distribution, handling and merchandising fresh foods, and food preparation demonstrations
- Workforce training
TA providers may request up to 5% or $2,500, whichever is less, of the total project costs to be used to increase institutional knowledge that is directly related to the assistance that will be provided to TA recipients.
Amount available
We expect to award approximately $200,000 through the GFAP TA Grant in fiscal year 2026.
Minimum award: $5,000
Maximum award: $50,000
Collaborative projects including multiple TA providers may request up to $200,000.
A 25% cash match is required.
Applying
The application period for this grant has ended. We expect the next application period to begin in late 2025; check back for updated program materials.
To learn more about the program and start planning for next year, read the 2024 RFP (PDF). This grant program is subject to change so you should read the updated RFP when it's posted. You can also view our list of past projects and request a copy of an application to help you prepare.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
