CNIP Expansion Program

The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), administered by the Office of Farm to Fork within the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is designed to improve access to fresh, California-grown produce for low-income residents using nutrition assistance programs. CNIP offers monetary incentives to individuals who use benefits from programs like WIC, the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). These incentives encourage the purchase and consumption of fruits and vegetables while simultaneously supporting California farmers and local food economies. Established by state statute and funded through a combination of federal Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grants and California General Fund allocations, CNIP operates through a competitive grant mechanism. For the 2026 expansion cycle, CDFA is offering funding to projects that either distribute incentives directly to eligible shoppers (Track 1) or provide technical assistance, outreach, and market support (Track 2). Projects that serve low-income and low-access communities, especially those experiencing high rates of diet-related diseases, are prioritized for funding. Eligible applicants for this cycle include Certified Farmers’ Markets authorized to accept the applicable benefits and nonprofit organizations collaborating with such markets. The program will support a range of allowable costs such as physical incentives, outreach activities, technical assistance, mobile technology, and transportation support. Matching funds are not required but are encouraged and considered during proposal evaluation. Applicants must submit complete proposals by email no later than 5:00 PM PT on November 4, 2025. All submissions must include the proposal template and budget spreadsheet in specified formats. The project period runs from April 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. This is a reimbursement-based program, and all expenses must occur within the grant period. Proposals will undergo both administrative and technical review. Evaluation will consider the project’s alignment with CNIP goals, effectiveness in outreach and technical support, operational capacity, partnerships, budget allocation, and service to underserved communities. Award announcements are expected in January 2026. Selected grantees will be required to participate in ongoing data reporting and submit a final report within 60 days after project completion. CDFA may adjust awarded amounts or project components during post-selection review. CDFA staff will host a webinar and provide an FAQ to assist applicants. However, the agency will not help prepare proposals. Inquiries may be directed to cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov.

Prioritize underserved communities with high diet-related illness and eligibility for nutrition benefits; allocate sufficient funds to outreach and technical assistance; avoid exceeding cost caps or submitting incomplete files.