The Good Food Access Program (GFAP) Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, is designed to improve access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods in underserved communities. This grant supports grocery stores and small food retailers in making physical improvements or purchasing equipment to increase the availability and sales of such foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. It aims to address food deserts and low- to moderate-income areas, ensuring equitable access to healthy food options.

Eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit grocery stores, as well as small food retailers such as corner stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, mobile food markets, or food hubs operated by emergency food programs. All applicants must sell nutritious and culturally appropriate foods and meet specific requirements, including authorization to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Grant funds must be used for projects that directly increase sales of nutritious foods. Eligible expenses include equipment such as coolers and freezers, installation costs, and any necessary physical improvements like electrical or architectural work to support the installation. Projects must serve designated food deserts or low- to moderate-income areas, which can be verified using the U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb viewer and the GFAP Eligible Areas list. If a project is not in an eligible area, applicants may justify their eligibility by demonstrating how their efforts will benefit residents of qualifying areas.

The program has allocated $935,000 for fiscal year 2025, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $75,000. No cash match is required. However, applicants requesting $50,000 or more must complete a pre-award risk assessment, which involves submitting specific documentation prior to receiving funding.

Applications are due by 4:00 PM Central Time on January 16, 2025. To apply, applicants must review the FY 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP), create an account in the online application system (if new), and submit the application titled “Good Food Access Program: Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant FY25.” Applicants should ensure all required documentation is included and submitted by the deadline.

For projects receiving $50,000 or more, the pre-award risk assessment process must be completed. Applicants requiring assistance or alternative formats can contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This grant presents an excellent opportunity for food retailers to enhance their infrastructure, improve access to healthy food options, and contribute to the well-being of underserved communities across Minnesota. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines carefully and submit their applications on time.