Community Food Projects

The primary goals of the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) are as follows (7 U.S.C. 2034(b)): a. Meet the food needs of low-income individuals through food distribution, community outreach to assist in participation in Federally assisted nutrition programs, or improving access to food as part of a comprehensive service; b. Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the communities; and c. Promote comprehensive responses to local food access, farm, and nutrition issues; or d. Meet specific state, tribal, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs including needs relating to: i. Equipment necessary for the efficient operation of a project; planning for long-term solutions; or ii. The creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers.

Proposals may be submitted by private nonprofit entities. Because projects must promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues, applicants are encouraged to seek and create partnership among public, private nonprofit To be further eligible for a grant, a private nonprofit applicant must meet three mandatory requirements: 1. Have experience in the area of: (a) community food work, particularly concerning small and medium-sized farms, including the provision of food to people in low-income communities and the development of new markets in low-income communities for agricultural producers; or (b) job training and business development activities in low-income communities; 2. demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability and oversight, collect data, and prepare reports and other appropriate documentation; and 3. demonstrate a willingness to share information with researchers, practitioners, and other interested parties.

Within guidelines established for the program as described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 1. The applicability and merit of the proposed project in regard to its ability to: Meet the food needs of low-income people in the proposed community for providing for its own food needs; and promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition needs; 2. the capacity to become self-sustaining once Federal funding ends; and 3. organizational and staff qualifications and experience; and 4. additional criteria will be considered relative to the extent the proposed project contributes to: (a) developing linkages between two or more sectors of the food system; (b) supporting the development of entrepreneurial projects; (c) developing innovative linkages between the for-profit and nonprofit food sectors; (d) encouraging long-term planning activities and multi-system, interagency approaches; and (e) incorporating linkages to one or more ongoing USDA themes or initiatives referred to in the program guidelines and/or annual proposal solicitation. Within guidelines established for the program as described in the Competitive Request for Application Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/community-food-projects-cfp-competitive-grants-program

Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar (1:1) basis for all Federal funds requested at the time the application is submitted. Matching funds must be accurately documented for all project years at the time the application in the R&R Budget and SF-424 forms. Matching funds in excess of the required amount will not be considered as part of the application review.If a project is selected for funding and includes match beyond the required amount, a revised budget will be required which may lead to delays in processing the award. Matching funds may include cash and/or in-kind contributions, including third-party in-kind contributions, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services. In-kind contributions are donations of goods, services, or time.The matching funds, or non-federal share of the funding, may come from State government, local...

Fiscal year 2025: The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) is a USDA-NIFA initiative designed to support community-driven projects that improve food security, strengthen local food systems, and promote long-term sustainability. These projects aim to increase access to healthy, affordable food for communities in need while fostering self-reliance and resilience through education, infrastructure, and partnerships. In FY2025, one funded project focused on an urban youth nutrition and market access initiative in a major Midwestern city. The project combined youth-led nutrition education with a mobile farmers market to address food deserts and improve access to fresh produce. Activities included hands-on workshops for teens on healthy eating and budgeting, as well as pop-up farmers market stalls in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Expected outcomes included improved nutrition literacy among youth, greater availability of nutrient-rich foods, and enhanced economic opportunities for local farmers.