The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) Nutrition Incentive Program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Established under the 2018 Farm Bill, the program is designed to address food insecurity and improve dietary health outcomes by increasing the purchase and consumption of fruits and vegetables among participants in federal nutrition assistance programs. The program reflects a broader federal priority to strengthen domestic agriculture, improve public health, and connect underserved populations with healthy food systems. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that provide financial incentives at the point of purchase for fruits and vegetables to participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Nutrition Assistance Program in U.S. territories. The program encourages innovative approaches that connect agricultural producers with low-income consumers while improving nutrition outcomes. Projects are expected to align with USDA priorities such as increasing farmer profitability, expanding markets, improving food quality, and promoting public health through better nutrition. Funding is offered across three project types: Pilot Projects, Standard Projects, and Large-Scale Projects. Pilot Projects support new entrants with awards up to 100000 and a duration of 12 months. Standard Projects provide up to 500000 over a period of up to 36 months for organizations with established experience. Large-Scale Projects exceed 500000 and are intended to support broad, multi-region initiatives. Across all project types, funds must be used to incentivize fruit and vegetable purchases, and all projects must operate through authorized SNAP or NAP retailers. Certain uses of funds are restricted, including non-food incentives, equipment for SNAP benefit processing, and activities that do not directly support program goals. A key requirement of the program is a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution from non-federal sources. Matching funds may include cash or in-kind contributions and must be documented at the time of application. Tribal entities and certain U.S. territories may qualify for partial waivers of matching requirements under specific conditions. All projects must also comply with federal cost principles and program-specific restrictions on allowable expenses. Eligibility for the program is limited to governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. Applicants are required to demonstrate partnerships with SNAP or NAP implementing agencies and must include letters of support from those agencies. Additional partnerships with public, private, or academic entities are encouraged to strengthen project implementation. Applicants must also demonstrate the capacity to manage federal funds, implement nutrition incentive programs, and comply with evaluation and reporting requirements. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. Required components include a project summary, detailed narrative, budget justification, logic model, data management plan, and letters of support. Projects must clearly outline goals, activities, evaluation methods, and implementation strategies. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program priorities, community impact, organizational capacity, project design, and feasibility of the timeline and budget. All funded projects are subject to a competitive peer review process and must participate in a comprehensive program evaluation coordinated by the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center. Grantees are required to collect and share data, participate in evaluations, and provide ongoing reporting. The application deadline for this funding cycle is June 16, 2026, with awards expected to be issued within the federal fiscal year. The program is recurring annually, with similar funding opportunities expected in future cycles.

Strong alignment with SNAP/NAP goals and measurable nutrition outcomes is critical; prioritize partnerships with implementing agencies; clearly define evaluation methods and sustainability plan; ensure compliance with SNAP/NAP regulations