USDA commits $7.5M to expand nonprofit food assistance distribution capacity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $7.5 million in grant funding through its Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance program to expand cold-storage capacity for food assistance organizations. The program will support equipment enabling nonprofits to temporarily store, package and distribute fresh, frozen and minimally processed foods. Selected nonprofit recipients will administer competitive subawards of up to $200,000 for equipment, delivery, installation and necessary supplies. Re-grant recipients must provide a 10% cash match. The initiative is intended to help food banks and other assistance providers distribute more meat, eggs, dairy, and produce from U.S. farmers and ranchers.