The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide grant program in Virginia, designed to address food access issues by supporting food retailers in low-income, low-access communities. It is funded and administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in collaboration with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The program is intended to promote food security, equity, and community development by investing in the expansion, rehabilitation, or establishment of food retail projects. This includes funding for grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail models like food trucks or mobile markets, especially in underserved areas. The fund is grounded in the Equitable Food-Oriented Development (EFOD) model, which integrates food systems into economic development strategies to create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.

The primary objectives of the VFAIF program include improving access to fresh foods, reducing food deserts, and fostering wealth creation in low-income communities. It aims to enhance capital access for communities that are historically underserved, including those predominantly occupied by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The fund also encourages innovative solutions that uplift food business models and strengthen food systems to ultimately reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes in the targeted communities.

Eligible projects for VFAIF grants can include construction, equipment upgrades, and the expansion of grocery stores and small food retailers that sell fresh, healthy food. Projects can also encompass innovative food retail initiatives, such as mobile markets and food trucks, and may support small farmers, ranchers, or community garden initiatives that have a direct connection to food retail. The grant program prioritizes initiatives that support community engagement, employ local residents, and partner with small, beginning, or socially disadvantaged farmers.

Applications for the VFAIF program will be accepted between February 3-28, 2025. Applicants must first submit a pre-proposal to be considered for the grant. Only those who have been invited to apply after submitting the pre-proposal will be able to submit a full application. The grant will provide funding amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per project, with the potential for recipients to apply for further funding in future grant cycles. The application process includes a detailed proposal outlining a clear vision, timeline, budget, and deliverables that align with VFAIF’s goals. Successful applicants must demonstrate their ability to become or remain an eligible SNAP retailer.

The program also offers technical assistance to applicants through a partnership with Locus, a Virginia-based CDFI. Locus provides resources for business development and can connect grant recipients with additional financial support, such as low-interest or no-interest loans. The VFAIF Grant Specialist and Locus team are available to assist with the application process and ensure successful implementation of the awarded projects.