The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofits, state/local agencies, and tribal organizations working to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income populations through nutrition incentive programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, state agriculture departments, local health departments, and federally recognized tribal nations. Programs may operate point-of-sale subsidies, matching incentive programs, or nutrition education tied to incentive redemption at farmers markets, grocery stores, and direct-sale venues. Geographic scope is nationwide, though priority may be given to underserved rural and urban communities with limited food access. Funded activities include program implementation, nutrition education, evaluation, and operational costs for incentive programs designed to increase SNAP participant purchasing power for eligible fruits and vegetables.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for nonprofits, state/local agencies, and tribal organizations working to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income populations through nutrition incentive programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, state agriculture departments, local health departments, and federally recognized tribal nations. Programs may operate point-of-sale subsidies, matching incentive programs, or nutrition education tied to incentive redemption at farmers markets, grocery stores, and direct-sale venues. Geographic scope is nationwide, though priority may be given to underserved rural and urban communities with limited food access. Funded activities include program implementation, nutrition education, evaluation, and operational costs for incentive programs designed to increase SNAP participant purchasing power for eligible fruits and vegetables.
Program description
The purpose of the GusNIP-NI is to fund and evaluate projects intended to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands; and the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) Block Grants participants in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands by providing incentives at the point of purchase. When the term “SNAP/NAP” is used it is means both the SNAPNAP Block Grants.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for nonprofits, state/local agencies, and tribal organizations working to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income populations through nutrition incentive programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, state agriculture departments, local health departments, and federally recognized tribal nations. Programs may operate point-of-sale subsidies, matching incentive programs, or nutrition education tied to incentive redemption at farmers markets, grocery stores, and direct-sale venues. Geographic scope is nationwide, though priority may be given to underserved rural and urban communities with limited food access. Funded activities include program implementation, nutrition education, evaluation, and operational costs for incentive programs designed to increase SNAP participant purchasing power for eligible fruits and vegetables.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project narrative/statement of work (typically 15–20 pages)
- Detailed budget and budget narrative (with line-item justification)
- Letters of commitment/support from retail partners, health departments, and other key collaborators
- Organizational capacity documentation (Form 424-R&R or equivalent, audit reports for larger organizations)
- Evaluation plan with baseline data and outcome metrics
- Letters of support from state agriculture or health officials (if applicable)
- Food access/nutrition data for your service area
- Proof of nonprofit status (501c3 determination letter or equivalent)
- Conflict of interest and indirect cost rate documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Joseph Perez Lead Policy Analyst
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 202-445-5402
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.331 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
Chn Nebraska NE$21,000,000
-
$16,762,804
-
$12,898,290
-
$10,126,463
-
$9,954,077
-
$8,699,885
-
$8,438,060
-
$8,405,085
-
$6,496,362
-
$6,315,988
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $31.9M
- NE 2 awards $22.2M
- NY 7 awards $17.6M
- OK 1 awards $16.8M
- WA 2 awards $16.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.331). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $47,000,573 | |
| 2025 | $48,984,993 | |
| 2026 est. | $48,583,360 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program?
Eligible applicants include nonprofits (501c3), state departments of agriculture, local health departments, and federally recognized tribal nations. Partnerships with retailers, farmers markets, and nutrition educators are encouraged.
What is the typical deadline and application process?
This program has a fixed deadline in mid-June. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov using the SF-424 form and standard USDA-NIFA application procedures. Check the RFP for any specific webinar or pre-application requirements.
What types of activities can be funded?
Funding supports incentive program design and operation (matching funds, point-of-sale subsidies), nutrition education, evaluation and impact measurement, retail partnerships, farmers market engagement, and administrative costs directly related to program delivery.
How competitive is this program and what should I know about funding?
This is typically a moderately to highly competitive program with multiple rounds of awards. Funding generally ranges from $100K to $500K+ per award, depending on program scope and geography. Strong applications demonstrate clear need data, sustainable partnerships, and evaluation capacity.
What makes applications stand out?
Competitive applications show measurable outcomes (incentive redemption rates, produce consumption increases), evidence of partner commitment, innovative program design, reach to underserved SNAP populations, and clear budget justification tied to impact goals.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Conduct a needs assessment using SNAP participation data and food security statistics for your service area. Show specifically why low-income residents lack access to fresh produce and how your program will address barriers.
- Build strong letters of commitment from retail partners (farmers markets, grocery stores, direct-sale vendors). Demonstrate that retailers will actively participate, provide point-of-sale infrastructure, and sustain the program beyond the grant period.
- Design a robust evaluation plan with clear metrics: incentive redemption rates, average incentive per participant, produce purchases before/after, and if possible, dietary outcome measures. Include external evaluation or independent verification.
- Develop a sustainability/transition plan showing how the program will continue or scale after USDA funding ends. This might include state funding, retail commitments, or broader market development strategies.
- Align your budget and narrative carefully around SNAP-eligible produce categories. Emphasize nutrition impact and adherence to USDA nutrition guidance for eligible fruits and vegetables.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail due to weak partnerships or insufficient retail commitment letters—reviewers need confidence that retailers will actually operationalize incentives at point-of-sale. Another common issue is vague evaluation plans that lack specific metrics for measuring produce purchasing or consumption changes. Finally, many applicants underestimate administrative and evaluation costs or fail to clearly justify budget line items in relation to program outcomes and participant volume.
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