The Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program (VAFAP) is a grant initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). The program aims to support charitable food assistance organizations in Virginia in their efforts to alleviate food insecurity by enabling them to purchase Virginia Grown agricultural products for distribution. This initiative is designed to strengthen the connection between local agriculture and community nutrition needs while promoting equitable access to fresh and nutritious foods for food-insecure individuals across the state.

VAFAP provides a total of $1,100,000 in grant funding for the 2025 cycle. Individual grants will fund projects lasting up to one year. Funding is allocated competitively, with proposals reviewed by a conflict-free panel that evaluates submissions based on purpose, measurable outcomes, project plan, and budget. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposals will build relationships with local producers, ensure fair distribution systems, and have community-wide or regional reach.

Eligible applicants include charitable food assistance organizations operating within Virginia. These organizations must demonstrate a concrete plan to purchase, transport, and distribute Virginia-grown agricultural products to individuals in need. In addition, applicants must show they have adequate infrastructure for food storage, distribution, and inventory tracking. Projects should present a clear timeline and execution strategy, along with measurable outcomes, such as pounds of food distributed or the number of individuals served.

Each application must include a cover page with basic organizational information, a narrative addressing the project’s goals and implementation plan, and a detailed budget. At least 90 percent of requested funds must be allocated to direct project costs, such as procurement, transportation, and storage of agricultural goods. Administrative costs, including personnel and travel, may comprise up to 10 percent of the total budget. Equipment purchases and tuition are not allowed.

Completed applications, including all required materials, must be submitted as a single PDF document via email to either Seth Benton (seth.benton@vdacs.virginia.gov) or Keisha Williams (keisha.williams@vdacs.virginia.gov) by 5:00 PM Eastern on May 9, 2025. Awards will be announced following the competitive review process. Once awarded, grantees will enter into a formal agreement and may begin implementing their projects shortly thereafter.

Grant recipients must submit two performance reports: a progress report covering May to October 2025, due November 30, 2025, and a final report for November 2025 to April 2026, due June 1, 2026. Reports must include details such as types and quantities of food purchased, number of people and regions served, and use of administrative funds. Reimbursements are issued monthly or quarterly based on submitted invoices and documentation.