ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for 2018 Good Food Access Program (GFAP) Equipment and Physical Improvement Grants. A total of $135,000 is available to assist grocery stores and small food retailers purchase equipment or make physical improvements that will increase availability of and access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate foods. Projects must be located in or serve food deserts and populations such as the elderly or people with disabilities in low- and moderate-income areas.
“Access to affordable, healthy foods is one of the touchstones of our work at the MDA,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “GFAP Grants help stimulate the sale of those foods by helping grocery stores and food retailers invest in the equipment they need, but sometimes can’t afford.”
Potential projects may include the purchase of shelving, mobile food trucks, permanent infrastructure at farmers’ markets, architectural work, and display or storage coolers and freezers, as well as the costs associated with installation. Other projects may also be considered.
Grocery stores and small food retailers like corner stores, mobile markets and farmers markets, may apply. Multi-site proposals are encouraged. Grant awards may range from $2,500 to $50,000, and up to 50 percent of the award may be requested in advance. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. CDT on April 19, 2018.
For more information, including the online application, visit the Good Food Access Program Equipment Grant website or contact Ashley Bress at 651-201-6648.
— Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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