SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Farm to Fork is currently accepting proposals for the 2018 California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which was established to encourage the purchase and consumption of healthy, California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables by CalFresh recipients.
CDFA is seeking project proposals from qualified entities to distribute nutrition incentives at small businesses (retail outlets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), and farm stands) throughout California. Eligible outlets must meet the definition of a California small business.
Incentives should be available at the time of purchase to all CalFresh participants using their benefits for California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Projects that reach underserved populations will be prioritized, particularly in communities where a large proportion of the population is eligible for CalFresh and/or have high rates of diet-related disease. An estimated $1 million in funding is available through a competitive process.
Grants are contingent upon receipt of federal funds by CDFA. Successful applicants will be included as project partners in CDFA’s proposal to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant program.
Applications must be submitted by email to cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov, no later than Monday, October 16, 5:00 P.M. PDT. Further information on the grant program, including timeline and application criteria, are available at: http://cafarmtofork.com/CNIP_Phase2-RFP.htm
CNIP was established by Assembly Bill 1321 (Chapter 442, Statutes of 2015). Phase 1 of the program currently operates at Certified Farmers’ Markets.
—California Department of Food and Agriculture
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