Golden State Today

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) is inviting grant applications for its new Farm to Community Food Hubs Program. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. PDT on April 14, 2025. Applications can be submitted via email to cafoodhubs@cdfa.ca.gov, with necessary materials available at the program's website.

The program aims to distribute up to $13.75 million in competitive grants to organizations focused on developing and expanding community food hubs. These hubs are intended to increase the purchase of local, climate-smart, and nutritious foods by schools and other institutions in California. A portion of the funding, up to 10 percent, is reserved for projects led by California Native American Tribes and Tribal-led nonprofit organizations.

There are two types of grants available: Track 1 Planning grants for planning activities and Track 2 Infrastructure and Operations grants for food aggregation, distribution infrastructure, and operational costs. The initiative seeks to enhance the food system economy, support local farming and Indigenous food production economies, promote climate adaptation and resilience, and ensure fair wages and working conditions for food system workers.

CDFA-F2F will offer feedback on draft application materials from February 20 through April 11 for up to 20 applicants who meet specific criteria related to their organizational structure or ownership demographics.

To support potential applicants, CDFA-F2F will host a public virtual Application Information Session on February 19 at 10 a.m. PST. Additionally, virtual "application office hours" will be held on several dates between February 25 and April 10.

The development of this program was informed by input from a Farm to Community Food Hubs Working Group as well as public comments received during fall 2024. This initiative builds upon previous CDFA investments in similar programs aimed at enhancing food systems within the state.

For more information about the program or assistance with applications, interested parties can visit the program's website or contact CDFA-F2F staff via email.

Information from this article can be found here.