WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOWO) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $7.5 million in grant funding available to expand cold storage and distribution capacity for food assistance organizations.
The funding is part of the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program. It will support equipment that allows organizations to temporarily store, package and distribute fresh, frozen and minimally processed foods.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the funding will help expand infrastructure for storing food produced by American farmers and ranchers.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the funding will help food banks provide more meat, eggs, dairy products and produce to families in need.
Nonprofit organizations receiving the grants will administer competitive subaward programs for cold storage projects. Individual subawards can cover up to $200,000 for equipment, delivery, installation and necessary supplies.
Sub-awardees will be required to provide a 10% cash contribution toward the cost.
The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Eligible organizations must submit applications electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 1, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
More information about eligibility and the application process is available through the USDA’s Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program.
