Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This federal program is authorized under legislation that amended the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and is designed to support community-based efforts that address food insecurity. The program reflects USDA priorities around strengthening domestic food systems, improving nutrition outcomes, and supporting agricultural producers, while emphasizing practical, community-driven solutions that deliver both short-term relief and long-term resilience. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that improve access to nutritious food while building sustainable local food systems. Applicants are required to address at least one short-term goal, such as improving food distribution or increasing access to federal nutrition programs, and at least one long-term goal, such as enhancing community self-reliance or developing enduring food system infrastructure. Projects are expected to integrate community participation and address underlying causes of food insecurity, not just immediate needs. The program encourages collaboration across sectors, including nonprofit organizations, local governments, and agricultural stakeholders. Funding is provided as a one-time federal investment intended to catalyze sustainable outcomes. For fiscal year funding, approximately 4.8 million dollars is available, with individual awards ranging broadly depending on project type. Planning Projects typically receive between 25,000 and 50,000 dollars, while Community Food Projects may receive between 125,000 and 400,000 dollars. Training and Technical Assistance awards may reach up to 1 million dollars over four years. Matching requirements apply to Planning and Community Food Projects on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while Training and Technical Assistance projects do not require matching funds. Allowable uses include project development, food system infrastructure support, education, and community engagement, though funds cannot be used for general infrastructure development beyond project-specific needs. Eligibility is limited to public food program service providers, tribal organizations, and private nonprofit entities with demonstrated experience in community food work, job training, or food security initiatives. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible to apply directly. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, fiscal accountability, and a commitment to collaboration and data sharing. Partnerships with other organizations are encouraged but not required to meet eligibility criteria independently. Projects must actively involve community members experiencing food insecurity in planning and implementation. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the designated funding opportunity number. Required components include a project summary, a detailed project narrative with specific headings, a data management plan, budget documentation, and optional supporting materials such as letters of commitment. The project narrative must clearly outline goals, activities, evaluation methods, and long-term sustainability plans. Applicants must also comply with formatting and submission requirements outlined in the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Applications are evaluated through a two-step process that includes administrative screening followed by peer review. Review criteria focus on alignment with program goals, project feasibility, community impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Additional emphasis is placed on inclusion of food-insecure populations, collaboration across sectors, and the potential for long-term sustainability. Projects that demonstrate innovation and strong partnerships are given preference. The application deadline is July 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be made within the federal fiscal year, with project start dates occurring no later than September 30. Project durations vary by category, ranging from one year for planning efforts to up to four years for larger initiatives. The program is offered on a recurring basis, typically annually, and applicants may submit new or resubmitted proposals in future cycles.

Ensure strong alignment with short and long term goals; demonstrate community involvement; emphasize sustainability and partnerships; provide clear evaluation metrics