Governor Youngkin announces grant opportunities to improve food access in Virginia
Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced key dates for the next round of Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) program grants. Administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the program aims to address food deserts and increase access to nutritious foods by supporting new or expanding food retailers across the Commonwealth.
Important Dates for the VFAIF Program
The pre-proposal period will run from December 1 through December 31, 2024, allowing interested applicants to ensure they meet mandatory requirements and address any questions. The full application period begins on February 3, 2025, and ends on February 28, 2025. Grant awards will be announced in spring 2025.
Governor Youngkin emphasized the program’s broader goals, stating, “Improving food access and building partnerships with community food organizations and private industry is an innovative approach to increasing access to nutritious food and eliminating hunger in urban and rural Virginia.”
Supporting Communities with Grants
The VFAIF program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to support business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades, or expansion projects. The funds target grocery stores, small food retailers, and other innovative projects in low-income communities where access to fresh food is limited.
VDACS has also encouraged grant applications from communities impacted by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene.
New Focus on Large-Scale Retailers
This funding round introduces a new large-scale retailer category, offering grants between $100,000 and $250,000. Eligible recipients include grocery stores exceeding 15,000 square feet located in underserved communities. To qualify, applicants must meet specific guidelines, including accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and participating in programs like Virginia Fresh Match, which supplements or matches SNAP benefits.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr highlighted the expanded focus, saying, “The VFAIF program helps to improve our ability of addressing food deserts and grow food access in the communities that need it the most. The new focus on larger retailers allows us to leverage scale to expand food access, with consideration given to areas of the Commonwealth impacted by natural disasters.”
Driving Economic Development
Beyond addressing food access, the VFAIF program supports economic development by creating jobs, increasing market opportunities for Virginia farmers, and stimulating local economies. Governor Youngkin noted that expanding the program incentivizes businesses to invest in underserved areas while also promoting local agriculture.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can find additional information and access applications on the VFAIF website at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/marketing-food-access-investment-fund.shtml. Program updates and details about application workshops will also be posted on the website.
As Virginia continues its efforts to combat food insecurity, the VFAIF program plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of food deserts and building healthier communities across the Commonwealth.
