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The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) announced the availability of $20 million in funding for the continuation of the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program (HRGP). Designed to enhance access to fresh, locally grown produce and culturally appropriate foods, the HRGP aims to support corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state. Grant applicants can secure energy-efficient refrigeration units to stock California-grown fresh produce, nuts, dairy, meat, eggs, and minimally processed foods. Proposals are due on June 6. 2023 by 5 p.m.

What is the purpose of the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program?

The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program (HRGP) seeks to promote healthier food choices and increase access to fresh, nutritious options in underserved communities. CDFA-F2F is committed to supporting corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs by providing energy-efficient refrigeration units to store and distribute California-grown fresh produce, nuts, dairy, meat, eggs, and culturally appropriate foods.

What is the funding available and duration of HRGP?

Applicants can receive up to $9 million in grant funding for this program. CDFA will consider one year and multi-year grants, with a target start in fall 2023 and that end by December 2026.

What entities are eligible to apply?

• Corner stores, small businesses, food donation programs, and nonprofits operating in low-income or low-access areas are eligible to apply for the HRGP.
• Cities, counties, nonprofits, or Tribal governments can also apply on behalf of eligible sites and may receive up to 20% of total grant awards for providing technical assistance.

Who are eligible grant beneficiaries?

Grant beneficiaries include corner stores, small businesses, food donation programs, and nonprofits working in low-income or low-access areas. These entities play a critical role in improving access to fresh, healthy food options for the community they serve.

What projects are eligible for funding?

The HRGP supports the acquisition of energy-efficient refrigeration units by eligible entities to stock and distribute California-grown fresh produce, nuts, dairy, meat, eggs, minimally processed, and culturally appropriate foods.

Some allowable grant-funded expenses may include, among others:

• Refrigeration and freezer equipment that meets equipment guidelines.
•  Installation costs for equipment.
• If old equipment is being replaced by new, grant-funded equipment, costs of removing and recycling equipment and reclaiming refrigerants is allowable.
• Minor electrical work such as installing outlets to accommodate new equipment. Costs of over $1,000 are unlikely to be approved and would be considered to be the responsibility of the site.
• Temperature monitoring systems as part of the selected unit or an add-on.

Applicants providing technical assistance have additional allowable costs, as detailed in the Request for Applications.

What is the timeline for HRGP?

Grant applications are due June 6, 2023. The review process will take place in June and July 2023, with anticipated award announcements in late July 2023. Grant terms are tentatively scheduled to start between October and November 2023.

The full Request for Applications is available in English and Spanish.

For more information on this program or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.