2026 CNIP Expansion – WIC, WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, through its Office of Farm to Fork within the Division of Inspection Services, is soliciting proposals for the 2026 California Nutrition Incentive Program Expansion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. This initiative, authorized under California Food and Agriculture Code Section 49010-49016, aims to increase purchases and consumption of California-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by program participants. The program emphasizes nutrition incentives for WIC and senior participants at certified farmers’ markets and prioritizes communities with high rates of food insecurity and diet-related illnesses. The 2026 expansion will fund projects from eligible entities to support shoppers using WIC fruit and vegetable benefits, WIC FMNP, and SFMNP benefits at authorized farmers’ markets. As of 2025, all benefits are distributed electronically, and incentives are loaded directly onto participants’ cards. Applicants may propose projects under two tracks. Track 1 includes both incentive distribution and support, while Track 2 focuses solely on outreach, technical assistance, and support for shoppers, vendors, and market managers. Allowable expenses include incentive distribution, outreach, transportation, equipment such as mobile hotspots or tablets, and technical assistance for both vendors and participants using the electronic systems. Funding for this round totals up to $1,750,000, with awards ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $500,000. Projects will begin on April 1, 2026, and must be completed by December 31, 2026, giving each grant a nine-month duration. This is a reimbursement-based program, and grantees must submit invoices monthly or quarterly. Applicants are encouraged, though not required, to demonstrate cost sharing through cash, in-kind contributions, or third-party support. Cost sharing will be considered in the evaluation process. Eligibility is restricted to certified farmers’ markets authorized to accept WIC, WIC FMNP, or SFMNP benefits and nonprofit organizations partnering with these markets. All applicants must participate in program tracking and evaluation, which includes reporting sales and incentive data, and providing supporting documentation when requested. Proposals from individuals, incomplete applications, or those outside the funding range will be disqualified. Proposals must be submitted using the required template and budget spreadsheet via email by the deadline, and applicants will receive confirmation within two business days of submission. Applications will undergo an administrative review to verify eligibility and compliance, followed by a technical review. Evaluation criteria vary by track but generally include the strength of goals and activities, outreach and technical assistance plans, community impact, operational efficiency, previous experience, partnerships, and budget structure. Priority will be given to projects that reach underserved communities with high diet-related disease prevalence and limited access to healthy foods. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of January 2026, with CDFA reserving the right to fund projects in part or to adjust proposed plans in collaboration with awardees. Applicants are encouraged to attend a technical assistance webinar scheduled for October 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time. Proposals are due by November 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Questions regarding the program can be submitted by email to cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov. Reporting requirements include monthly updates on incentive distribution for Track 1 grantees and a final report for all grantees within sixty days of project completion. The Office of Farm to Fork may also conduct follow-up surveys to assess the long-term impact of funded projects.