WASHINGTON — A newly announced grant from the USDA is proposed to provide $7.5 million to support cold chain equipment investments for entities that provide food assistance. This new cold storage capacity will assist in providing these organizations that help feed hungry Americans with a means to temporarily store, distribute and package foods that are fresh, frozen and minimally processed.
This grant is provided through the department’s Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program.
“With this funding opportunity we will see more cold storage and infrastructure to store homegrown proteins for all Americans to enjoy as we continue to Make America Health Again,” Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. agriculture secretary said in the announcement. “Over the past year and a half, we have worked hard to incentivize healthier options for Americans and today’s announcement is another step in the right direction.”
Organizations that receive funding will need to utilize a subaward program that supports middle of the supply chain cold storage. These selected recipients will also be responsible for the management of a competitive subaward program that will need to include expertise and consultation to the sub-awardees that support the food assistance program’s cold storage operations.
“Every American deserves access to real, nutritious food,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said. “This funding will give food banks the infrastructure to deliver more meat, eggs, dairy, produce and other whole foods from American farmers and ranchers to families in need. Under President Trump’ leadership, we are rebuilding a food system that nourishes American families and strengthens American agriculture.”
Applications for this CCG grant program must be electronically submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Oct. 1, at www.grants.gov.
For more information about grant eligibility, visit the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance program’s website at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/ccg.
