CDFA Awards $9 Million to 103 Healthy Cooling Grant Program Projects to Expand Access to Healthy Foods in Underserved Communities
California receives $38 million from USDA to support food and agriculture businesses in the middle of the supply chain
SACRAMENTO โ Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted supports to expand access to fresh, healthy food in underserved communities and increase the resiliency of food and agriculture businesses across the state.
CDFA announced today $9 million in grants for 103 projects through the Healthy Cooling Subsidy Program, which helps address food deserts funding energy-efficient refrigeration and freezing equipment for convenience stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-food-access areas. Recipients use the new equipment to store California-grown fresh produce, nuts, eggs, meat and dairy, as well as minimally processed foods and foods common in cultural dishes that are often not available in mainstream markets.
CDFA also recently received USDA $38 million for the new Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, which will provide grants to agricultural producers and processors, as well as nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions operating in the middle of the supply chain.
"These projects will help more families put healthy, California-grown food on the table and support the hard-working food and agriculture businesses at the center of our food supply chain." Governor Newsom said.
Oakland Healthy Cooling Grant Program Teams
CDFA will use up to $3 million of Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program funds for technical assistance to farmers and food businesses, and up to $1 million to support supply chain coordination.
CDFA will fund projects that benefit historically underserved or socially disadvantaged farmers, disadvantaged small businesses, women-owned businesses, or veteran-owned businesses; improve worker safety; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase water savings, among other priorities.
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