The Healthy Food Financing Initiative aims to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities. The program aims to build a more equitable food system that supports the health and economic vibrancy of all Americans. Authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, the 2021 HFFI Targeted Small Grants Program is administered by Reinvestment Fund on behalf of USDA Rural Development. HFFI provides capacity building and financial resources to eligible healthy food retail projects to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas.
In 2021, at least $4 million is available for innovative food retail and food system enterprises that seek to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas. Grant awards will range from $20,000 to $200,000. The program will support projects that are designed to improve access to fresh, healthy food through food retail. Grants will be one-time investments of capital into a food retail or food enterprise project. Grant funds could assist with a variety of project needs, including predevelopment, brick and mortar facility development, other hard capital costs, equipment needs, and one-time soft costs including training, consulting needs, marketing, or merchandising.
The application process includes two phases: a Letter of Interest, and if invited, a Full Application. To learn more about how to apply, please visit www.investinginfood.com
To apply, applicants must submit a letter of interest by Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. If invited to apply, applicants must submit a full application. Additional information on how to apply is available at www.investinginfood.com. USDA and the Reinvestment Fund are hosting an informational webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time for interested parties to learn more about the program. To register, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4101009465716687631.
For more information, please contact help@investinginfood.com. If you'd like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.