RHTP Health and Lifestyle: Nutrition and Prevention Grant Program

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has released a Request for Applications (RFA 038-25/26) under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) for the Health and Lifestyle: Nutrition and Prevention initiative. This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and is part of a broader five-year federal effort to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural Florida. AHCA serves as the administering agency and pass-through entity, overseeing subawards to eligible organizations that will implement program activities aligned with federal and state priorities. The primary purpose of this initiative is to reduce food insecurity, improve nutrition outcomes, and decrease preventable chronic disease among rural populations. The program addresses disparities in access to healthy food and healthcare services, particularly in rural areas where rates of preventable hospitalizations and nutrition-related conditions are disproportionately high. The initiative is structured around three pathways: clinical nutrition and food security, community nutrition education and outreach, and youth nutrition and fitness education. Applicants may propose one or more pathways, but must ensure integration and coordination where applicable. Funding for Year 1 totals $10,130,531, distributed across four designated super regions in Florida. Awardees must operate within eligible rural areas and adhere to strict geographic and service delivery requirements. Allowable uses of funds include personnel costs, workforce development, technology implementation such as EHR-integrated screening tools, and program operations like educational materials and outreach. However, funds may not be used for construction, direct food provision, or supplanting existing funding sources. Administrative costs are capped at 3% of the total award. The period of performance for Year 1 runs from August 1, 2026 through July 30, 2027, with continuation funding contingent upon performance and federal approval. Eligibility is limited to specific healthcare and community-based entities, including federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, county health departments, primary care practices, community-based organizations, and tribal organizations. School districts may participate under specific conditions tied to youth programming. All applicants must demonstrate operational capacity, financial stability, and compliance with federal requirements, including SAM.gov registration and rural service delivery qualifications. Applications must be submitted as a complete package by June 10, 2026, via email to the designated AHCA inbox. Required components include organizational information, executive summary, project narrative, partnerships, work plan, data reporting strategy, sustainability plan, budget, and certifications. The application undergoes a two-stage evaluation process: an initial pass/fail compliance review followed by a technical evaluation based on program design, capacity, partnerships, and impact. Awards are expected to be announced around July 20, 2026, with execution beginning August 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria emphasize evidence-based program design, regional coverage, workforce capacity, and measurable outcomes such as food insecurity screenings, referral closure rates, and improvements in health indicators like BMI and blood pressure. Awardees must also meet extensive reporting requirements, including quarterly and annual reports, and contribute to statewide outcome tracking aligned with CMS targets. Sustainability planning is critical, requiring applicants to outline long-term funding strategies, including Medicaid billing and partnerships. This initiative is part of a multi-year federal program running through October 2030, with annual funding cycles contingent on performance and federal approval. While the RFA represents a one-time application opportunity for this cycle, the broader program structure indicates potential for future funding rounds. Applicants are encouraged to align proposals with long-term system transformation goals and demonstrate readiness for sustained impact in rural health outcomes.

Strong emphasis on evidence based program design measurable outcomes rural coverage and formal partnerships; ensure compliance with all required sections and documentation; prioritize clear integration across pathways