Grant Programs

CNIP Food Hubs Farm to School Healthy Refrigeration Urban Ag

The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program

The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program (HRGP) 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.


The County of Los Angeles and its partner, The Energy Coalition, received funding in the first round of the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program to install energy-efficient refrigeration units in small businesses located in food deserts across the county. This video features interviews with some of these store owners about their experiences with the program.

Program Impact
2024 Report to the Legislature
2023 Equipment Awards
Technical Assistance Providers
2019 Pilot Program

Healthy Refrigeration Resources

The use of traditional refrigerants in refrigeration equipment has been identified as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. This program promotes the use of climate-friendly and energy efficient refrigeration equipment and requires the use of refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP), a value indicating the amount of global warming a substance may cause.

Continuum of Global Warming Potential

Refrigerants with a high GWP are the most used class of refrigerants and cause significant damage to the climate. The leakage of one 30lb tank of R-404A, a high GWP refrigerant, is equivalent to the CO2 emitted by driving 14 additional passenger cars each year. Refrigeration systems can hold thousands of pounds of refrigerants and leak at the rate of 20% or more per year. Moving away from high GWP refrigerants will slow the pace of global warming and climate impacts currently underway.

30 lb R-404A tank leakage = 14 passenger cars of CO2 emissions; 1 Pound R-404A = 2 Tons CO2

Resources

  • View Appendix A and Appendix B , which provide pre-vetted low-GWP equipment lists.
  • View the Retail Refrigeration Guide which walks you through common issues and maintenance schedules for refrigeration equipment. It also includes best practices for temperature monitoring, refrigerant regulations, and additional resources.
  • View the Equipment Maintenance Schedule, a printable checklist designed to help you easily reference the preventative maintenance tasks for refrigeration equipment that should be completed regularly, monthly, and biannually.
  • View NASRC Contractor Directory (NASRC Contractor Directory in English / NASRC Contractor Directory in Spanish ) for a partial list of contractors who could provide turnkey solutions for purchasing, installation, and recycling equipment
Quick Tips
Refrigeration Recycling
Additional Funding Opportunities

Grantee Spotlights

grantee quotes
A woman browses grocer's refrigerated section

Program Status

Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, we will not be accepting any applications for a 2024 Healthy Refrigeration Grant Equipment round. To keep an eye out for potential future grant rounds and program updates, subscribe to our mailing list.

Current Projects

Produce section in market
Produce section in market Rancho Market, a corner store in Alameda County, stocked their new equipment with fresh foods that are California-grown and produced. They reported, "The new units provide better temperature control, ensuring that our produce, dairy, and meat stay fresher for longer. This has enhanced the shopping experience for our customers and allowed us to expand our selection of fresh food, making healthier options more accessible to our community."

Farmers Market Farmers Market, a corner store in San Pablo, has installed and filled their new refrigerator with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. They prioritize stocking products sourced from local farmers and farmers’ markets so their store can support California agriculture while providing their customers with access to fresh, local foods.

CCP photo
Carpinteria Children’s Project, a community pantry in Santa Barbara County, is beginning to fill their new refrigerator with produce contributed by local California growers. They serve 80-100 families with their monthly food distributions. A staff member reported, “I am thankful to the CDFA Farm to Fork office for providing us with funds to purchase a new refrigerator. We can now confidently fill it with fresh produce for our families in need without worrying that it will break down and the food will go bad.”


Temalpakh Farm
Temalpakh Farm, a rural farm located on a tribal reservation, is owned and operated by the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. With grant funding, they are adding refrigeration to their brick-and-mortar farmers’ market. The tribe recently finished installing the structure of their new walk-in cooler which will be used to store and expand the selection of produce grown on their farm.

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Questions?

Contact our team at cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov