Food Retail Improvement and Development Grant (FRIDG): Retailer Equipment and Infrastructure Program

The Food Retail Improvement and Development Grant (FRIDG): Retailer Equipment and Infrastructure program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), is designed to improve food access in underserved communities by supporting equipment and infrastructure upgrades for small food retailers. Previously known as the Good Food Access Program (GFAP), this initiative is part of Minnesota's broader Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program, which seeks to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors. Through the FRIDG program, the MDA aims to enhance the availability of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, especially in areas defined as food deserts or lacking adequate food retail options. The FRIDG: Retailer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant targets for-profit and nonprofit grocery stores, corner stores, convenience stores, farmers’ markets, mobile food markets, and retail food outlets operated by emergency food programs or food hubs. All applicants must serve an underserved community and demonstrate their capacity to sell nutritious and culturally relevant food options. Additional eligibility requirements include a commitment to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and dedicate at least 30% of retail space to healthy food options, except for applicants who meet the definition of a small food retailer. Eligible projects under this grant include purchasing and installing refrigeration units, shelving, and storage solutions; renovating retail spaces to accommodate new equipment; and making architectural or electrical upgrades required for installation. Funds may also support mobile market infrastructure or signage promoting SNAP participation. Projects must be located in Minnesota and completed within three years. Grantees are reimbursed for up to 75% of project costs, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $75,000. A 25% cash match is mandatory, and matching funds may come from loans, other grants (excluding MDA/state agency grants), or cash assets, but not in-kind contributions. The application window opens on January 16, 2026, and closes on March 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Questions may be submitted until February 24, 2026, via email to [email protected]. Applications must be submitted through the MDA’s online application system. New applicants are required to create an account, and all submissions must be received before the deadline to be considered. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email. Technical assistance is available during the application window. The competitive review process includes two phases: an initial scoring based on project alignment with program goals and readiness, followed by a pre-award risk assessment for qualifying proposals. Evaluation criteria emphasize community impact, urgency, support for Minnesota-grown products, and operational readiness. Scoring also considers the applicant’s capacity to deliver results and manage funds responsibly. Awards are expected to be announced in May 2026, with contracts executed in May or June. All work must be completed during the contract period, with final reimbursement requests due within 30 days of project end. Grant recipients must enter into a formal contract with the MDA and fulfill reporting obligations that include annual and final progress reports detailing SNAP sales, job creation, and retail space improvements. MDA may conduct site visits and financial reconciliations, particularly for grants of $25,000 or more. Grantees are also required to publicly acknowledge the support of the MDA and comply with prevailing wage, nondiscrimination, and record retention standards. Compliance failures may impact future funding eligibility or lead to termination of the grant.

Use quotes to strengthen budget; explain SNAP authorization; clearly link project to community health and equity.