NIFA: Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking applications for the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) to improve food and nutrition security in low-income communities through a food systems approach and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework.

Donor Name: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Country: United States

State: All States

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 12/20/2021

Size of the Grant: $25,000 or $400,000

Grant Duration: 36 Months or 48 Months

Details:

The CFPCGP includes two types of projects: Community Food Projects (CFP) and Planning Projects (PP). These projects are designed to increase food security in communities by bringing sectors within the whole food system together to assess strengths, establish linkages, and create sustainable food systems that improve the selfreliance of community members over their food needs.

Goals

The primary goals of the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP):

Designed to:
- 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;
- Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the communities; and
- Promote comprehensive responses to local food access, farm, and nutrition issues;
Meet specific state, tribal, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs including needs relating to:
- Equipment necessary for the efficient operation of a project;
- Planning for long-term solutions;
- The creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers.

Types of Projects

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program consists of two types of projects:

Community Food Projects: The purpose of the Community Food Projects (CFP) is to support the development of projects with a ONE-TIME infusion of federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining. CFPs are designed to create community-based food projects with objectives, activities and outcomes that are in alignment with CFPCGP primary goals.
Planning Projects: The purpose of the Planning Projects (PP) is to complete plans toward the improvement of community food security in keeping with the primary goals of the CFPCGP.

Funding Information

The anticipated amount available for the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) in FY 2022 and FY 2023 is approximately $ 4,800,000 each year.

The CFPCGP accepts standard grant applications. The following describes the types of projects that are eligible for funding:

Community Food Projects (CFP): Average award is $ 298,000 over 36 to 48 months. The maximum award is $ 125,000 over 12 months and $ 400,000 over 48 months.
Planning Projects: Average award is $ 25,000 for 12-36 months. Maximum award is $ 35,000 over 12-36 months.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is limited to public food program service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit entities, including gleaners who also meet the following four requirements:

Have experience in the area of:
- Community food work, particularly concerning small and medium-size 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;
- Job training and business development activities for food-related activities in low-income communities; and
- Efforts to reduce food insecurity in the low income community, including food distribution, improving access to services, or coordinating services and programs.
Demonstrate competency to implement a project and provide fiscal accountability.
- Fiscal Agent. A Fiscal agent is an organization managing financial responsibilities on behalf of the applicant. If an institution / organization cannot accept Federal funds directly, a letter must be included in the application stating that in the event the application results in an award, the award funds must be administered through a fiscal agent on their behalf.
- Data collection and preparation of reports and other necessary documentation. A Data Management Plan (DMP) is required for this program.
- Handling of baseline data and data collection will be addressed in the Data Management Plan.
- Applicants are to demonstrate a willingness to share information with researchers, evaluators, practitioners, and other interested parties, and include a plan for dissemination of results through a well written DMP.
Collaboration with one or more local partner organizations to achieve at least one of the hunger-free communities’ goal.
- Partners and Collaborators: Applicants for Community Foods Projects Program and Planning Projects awards are encouraged to seek and create partnerships with public or private, nonprofit or for-profit entities, including links with academic institutions (including minority-serving colleges and universities), and/or other appropriate professionals, community-based organizations, and local government entities.
- Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators need not meet the eligibility requirements.
- Award recipients may sub-award to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the successful completion of the project.