Fy 2025 Snap Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive

The Fiscal Year 2025 Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) Cooperative Agreement Grant is a federally funded opportunity administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). This program is authorized under Section 4208 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 and funded through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. With a total of $3,000,000 available for FY25, the HFMI initiative seeks to increase the purchase and consumption of qualifying fluid milk among households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cooperative agreements aim to support modernized systems that promote healthier food choices and strengthen nutrition outcomes across the nation. The purpose of the HFMI Cooperative Agreement is to develop and implement incentive-based projects that provide SNAP households with financial incentives for purchasing qualifying fluid milk at authorized retailers. Applicants must propose one of the following incentive models: automatic discount at the point of purchase, EBT-integrated incentives returned to SNAP accounts, or, in special cases, a coupon model used in tandem with one of the first two. These incentives apply only to unflavored, pasteurized cow's milk (including lactose-free) that meets federal and local nutritional standards. Projects should involve partnerships with SNAP-authorized retailers and provide education on the nutritional value of milk. Technical assistance, training for retailers, and outreach to SNAP households are also essential components. Eligible applicants include domestic nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and government agencies at the state, local, territory, or tribal level. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in addressing food insecurity or implementing SNAP-related initiatives. Only one application per eligible organization is allowed. Ineligible applicants include corporations with unresolved federal tax liabilities or recent felony convictions. All entities must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). To apply, applicants must submit a completed package through Grants.gov by August 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT. The required documents include the SF-424 forms, budget narrative, letters of commitment from retailers and state agencies (if applicable), resumes of key staff, and other standard federal grant forms. Applications must strictly adhere to content and formatting instructions, and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Awards will be announced in September 2025, with an anticipated performance period from September 2025 to March 31, 2028. The awardee must launch the project within 18 months of execution and report progress quarterly. Evaluation of applications will be based on criteria including project design (35 points), implementation and monitoring (15 points), sustainability (10 points), budget and cost-effectiveness (25 points), and staff capability (15 points). Additional bonus points (up to 15) may be awarded for projects that target priority communities such as Tribal Nations, rural areas, or persistent poverty counties, and for partnerships with dairy farmers or farmers’ markets. FNS places strong emphasis on the applicant’s ability to collect and report data, manage fiscal accountability, and comply with federal guidelines. Awardees are also required to support FNS’s program evaluation efforts. Carla Garcia serves as the primary contact for this funding opportunity. She can be reached at Carla.Garcia@usda.gov. The grant requires consistent participation in coordination meetings with FNS, including biweekly calls during the startup phase for first-time grantees. Monthly data reporting, quarterly financial and performance reporting, and adherence to a federally provided template are mandatory. The cooperative agreement includes substantial federal involvement in oversight, training, and guidance throughout the grant lifecycle.

Avoid emotional appeals. Confirm SNAP retailer eligibility. Submit early on Grants.gov. Include all forms and letters of commitment.