Nutrition Navigators Direct Services

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), through its Food and Nutrition Policy Bureau, has issued the Nutrition Navigators Direct Services Request for Proposals to expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program outreach across underserved areas of New York State. This initiative is part of a broader statewide strategy to increase participation in SNAP by addressing barriers such as lack of awareness, misconceptions about eligibility, and limited access to application assistance. The program is grounded in federal authority under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which allows states to conduct outreach to inform eligible households about SNAP benefits and reduce food insecurity. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support nonprofit organizations in designing and implementing innovative outreach strategies that connect eligible but non-participating individuals with SNAP benefits. The program specifically targets underserved geographic areas and populations that historically have lower participation rates, including newly unemployed individuals, working families with low income, older adults, immigrants with legal status, and college students. Outreach efforts are expected to help individuals make informed decisions about applying for SNAP and ultimately increase enrollment among eligible populations. Funding is structured as a reimbursement-based program rather than a traditional grant with upfront disbursement. Applicants must demonstrate that they have secured at least 75 percent of their total annual program budget from allowable sources prior to the start of each program year. Reimbursement is composed of two components: State General Funds and federal SNAP outreach funds. State funds may cover up to 100 percent of their awarded portion, while federal reimbursement can cover up to 25 percent of total program expenses. Applicants must maintain compliance with strict financial documentation, allowable cost categories, and administrative cost caps, which are generally limited to 15 percent of the total award unless pre-approved. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that are registered and prequalified in the New York State Statewide Financial System and meet compliance requirements with state oversight entities. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to conduct outreach services, collaborate with local social services districts, and engage with a designated technical assistance provider. Applicants may form consortiums with up to four nonprofit subcontractors but must adhere to specific structural rules regarding prime and subcontractor roles. All applicants must complete required registrations, submit applications through the SFS portal, and provide detailed project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation. The application process is competitive and consists of three main components: responses to application questions, a project description, and a detailed budget. Evaluation criteria include organizational experience, outreach strategy, collaboration plans, sustainability, and prior performance if applicable. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Statewide Financial System, and late or improperly submitted applications will not be considered. Required uploads include forms related to MWBE participation, staffing plans, certifications, and a Local Funding Agreement verifying financial readiness. The timeline for this opportunity includes an initial release date of January 23, 2026, followed by multiple question-and-answer periods and an optional bidder conference. The final application deadline is April 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated to be announced by July 8, 2026, with a program start date of October 1, 2026. The contract period spans five years, ending September 30, 2031, contingent on funding availability and performance.

Focus on demonstrating experience serving low-income populations; provide clear and innovative outreach strategies; ensure budget justification aligns with allowable costs; highlight collaboration with local social services districts and sustainability planning