The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) is pleased to share that $20 million was allocated for program continuation in late September 2021. Through the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program (HRGP), CDFA funds energy efficient refrigeration units in corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state to stock California-grown fresh produce, nuts, dairy, meat, eggs, minimally processed, and culturally appropriate foods.

RFP for Technical Assistance Providers Now Closed

CDFA–F2F is now reviewing proposals from technical assistance providers and expects to make award announcements at the end of July. View a copy of the RFP.

Questions and Answers About the TAPs RFP:

• View anonymized Questions and CDFA responses.

Public Feedback Incorporated:

CDFA–F2F considered feedback about this RFP submitted during the public comment period, including during the informational webinar on March 28th. View a summary of comments and questions submitted and CDFA responses here.

Grant timeline and process:

RFP Released for Public Comment	March 21, 2022
Webinar for Live Comments	March 28, 3-5 pm PT
Comments Addressed and Request for Proposal Released	Late April 2022
Grant proposals due	June 10, 5:00 pm PT
Anticipated Awards Announcement	Late July 2022
Tentative Start Date for Grant Terms	October 2022
Tentative Date for Equipment RFP Release	December 2022

Call for External Technical Reviewers:

The external technical review committee for the 2022 Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program includes individuals outside of CDFA-F2F who have expertise related to the program. Individuals interested in learning about participating in the external technical review process for the December equipment grant round should contact CDFA-F2F at cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov. Applicants to the 2022 Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program are not eligible to participate as technical reviewers.

Previous Grantees of the Pilot Program:

Approximately $4.5 million in grants was awarded during the pilot program. See Round I Grant Awards and Round II Grant Awards for details.

Please reach out to cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov to be added to the email list for this program.