This program provides grants to grocery store operators and prospective entrants in USDA-designated food deserts or areas at risk of becoming food deserts. Funded activities include site work, store buildout, equipment purchases, rents or downpayments, employee wages, feasibility studies, capital improvements, planning, renovations, land acquisition, demolition, and technical assistance. The program is discretionary, contingent on legislative appropriation, and sunsets in 2030.
Eligible applicants are grocery store operators and prospective entrants, including large and small-format retailers located in USDA-designated food deserts or areas at risk. The department may award grants to stores above and below 15,000 square feet at its discretion.
