To expand Minnesotans’ access to fresh, culturally appropriate foods, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened applications for its Good Food Access Program equipment and physical enhancement grant program ( GFAP).

The GFAP grant helps grocery stores and small food retailers purchase equipment or make physical improvements that will allow them to increase the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food (including produce) for underserved communities in low- and moderate-income countries. areas. The agency will award up to $935,000 in this round of funding, and applicants can request between $5,000 and $75,000 for their projects.

Examples of eligible projects include costs to purchase and install items such as shelves, coolers and freezers; mobile food markets; permanent infrastructure at farmers’ markets; or architectural works. Projects that demonstrate positive economic and health impacts on underserved communities will be prioritized for funding.

To be eligible, applicants must be located in or serve a census tract designated as a food desert or must serve a significant subpopulation, such as the aging population, people living with disabilities, or those living in an income census tract weak or moderate. – who have poor access to supermarkets. Tribal entities and organizations that serve Native American tribal communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, January 16, 2025. For full eligibility criteria and details of the application process, view the Request for Proposal (RFP) found on the GFAP Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant Web page.