Minnesota Good Food Access Program: Technical Assistance Grant

Ashley Bress
651.201.6648
ashley.bress@state.mn.us

The Minnesota Good Food Access Program provides grants to assist technical assistance providers in working with new and existing for-profit, nonprofit, and cooperative self-service retail food establishments with needs-based assistance. The program goal is to increase the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for underserved communities in low- and moderate-income areas.

Funding may be used for:

• Sustainability-focused individualized guidance
• Presentations, workshops, and trainings
• Printed materials
• Mentorship and/or peer-to-peer opportunities

Relevant technical assistance topics include:

• Business planning
• Sales projections
• Cash flow
• Succession planning
• Financing, fundraising, and marketing
• SNAP and WIC eligibility
• Food procurement and distribution
• Handling and merchandising fresh foods
• Food preparation demonstrations
• Workforce training

Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate a collaborative, regional approach to technical assistance and to projects that address business succession planning or that help TA recipients access capital.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and for-profit businesses with the capacity to provide technical assistance to eligible grocery stores and small food retailers, such as:

• Small business development centers
• Regional economic development organizations
• Community Development Financial Institutions
• Regional public health organizations
• Foundations

Tribal communities and other organizations that serve tribal communities are encouraged to apply.

Award ceiling: $50,000
Award floor: $5,000
Estimated total program funding: $200,000

Up to 75% of the total project cost may be covered by the grant.

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application portal are available on the program website.