Farmers' and Farmers' Market SNAP Support Grants | USDA FNS FMSSG 19

Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA FNS FMSSG 19

The Farmers' and Farmers' Market SNAP Support Grants (Funding Opportunity Number USDA FNS FMSSG 19) is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), focused on strengthening the connection between Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and places where they can buy food directly from producers. The core purpose is twofold: first, to increase the participation of farmers markets and direct marketing farmers (for example, farm stands, CSAs where applicable, or other direct-to-consumer farm sales channels) in SNAP, and second, to improve access to those outlets for people who receive SNAP benefits. In practical terms, the program is designed to make it easier for farmers markets and direct-marketing farms to accept SNAP and to make it easier for SNAP shoppers to actually use their benefits at those locations.

This opportunity was structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the federal agency typically expects to have substantial involvement in the project beyond simply issuing a check, such as providing oversight, collaboration, or technical direction during the grant period. The funding activity aligns with the Food and Nutrition category (CFDA 10.580), which is associated with USDA nutrition assistance efforts. The opportunity was created on July 15, 2019, with an original application closing date of September 13, 2019.

Eligibility for this specific competition was limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, excluding institutions of higher education. The posted funding information indicates a single expected award, with an award ceiling of $4,000,000. Because only one award was anticipated, the selected applicant would likely be expected to operate at a broad scale, potentially coordinating or supporting multiple farmers markets and direct marketing farmers, and delivering measurable improvements in SNAP acceptance and SNAP customer access across a sizable geography or network.

Overall, the grant is aimed at reducing practical barriers that keep farmers markets and direct-to-consumer farms from participating in SNAP (such as technology, administrative burden, staff capacity, or program know-how) while also addressing barriers faced by SNAP recipients (such as awareness, convenience, or ability to complete transactions at markets and farm outlets). The intended outcome is expanded SNAP redemption opportunities in community-based food retail settings and stronger direct-to-consumer pathways for SNAP shoppers to purchase food from local producers.

• The Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service in the food and nutrition sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Farmers' and Farmers' Market SNAP Support Grants" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.580.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 15, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 13, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $4,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for USDA FNS FMSSG 19

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