New York state announces $10M food access grant program

Thursday, October 5, 2023

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking input from stakeholders to help shape its new $10 million Food Access Expansion Grant Program. The program will support the establishment of farm markets, supermarkets, food cooperatives, and other similar retail food opportunities in underserved areas of the state.

The Department has issued a Request for Interest (RFI) to gather information from potential applicants. Respondents must specify whether they are interested in Program Administration or Project Implementation.

• Program Administration: The administrator will run a competitive grant program to disperse funding.

• Project Implementation: The administrator will implement a food access expansion project.

Interested respondents may submit a letter for one or both of the following opportunities. If applying for both opportunities, respondents are asked to submit two, separate Letters of Interest.

The RFI is open to all interested stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, local governments, and businesses.

The Food Access Expansion Grant Program is part of Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to growing and streamlining access to food for all New Yorkers, especially those in underserved areas. The program will help to create new access points for local food, shorten supply chains, promote equitable food access, and support local producers.

The RFI and additional information on the letter of interest requirements can be found on the Department’s website at https://agriculture.ny.gov/request-interest-rfi-0315-food-access-expansion-grant-program.

In addition, an informational webinar will be held Thursday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m.