NYS announces SNAP-Ed grant awards for Food Box & Community Growers grants

Funding still available for Food Box grant program; eligible groups can apply

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), in partnership with the Office of Temporary and Disability Services (OTDA), announced nearly $1.1 million has been awarded to 32 organizations through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention (SNAP-Ed) grants.

The SNAP-Ed Food Box and Community Growers grant programs each provide funding to eligible groups to further expand access to fresh, affordable foods in underserved communities across New York and support the state’s agricultural industry. Funding is still available through the Food Box Grant Program. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply by July 18.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The SNAP-Ed Food Box and Community Growers grant programs are critical in boosting the production and consumption of healthy foods across New York state, particularly in historically underserved communities. I’m excited to see so many great projects awarded funding this year, and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition. I encourage all eligible organizations to apply for the remaining Food Box Grant Program funds to continue expanding access to nutritious, local produce to our communities that need it most.”

OTDA Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, “Having access to affordable produce and other nutritious foods can have a transformative impact on the health outcomes for low-income households. The programs funded through these grants helps to both improve access to these foods and to educate families on the important role they play in their diet. We are pleased to see strong interest in the Community Growers program, and encourage other eligible organizations to participate in the SNAP-Ed Food Box grants while funding remains available.”

Community Growers Grant Program

The SNAP-Ed Community Growers Grant Program provides direct support to community-led gardens and not-for-profit farms that work to combat food insecurity in under-resourced areas, and help food insecure communities develop an interest and skillset to grow and cook healthy, locally produced food. Through the 2022 funding round, $1 million has been awarded to 23 grantees across New York. Awarded projects include:

•Western New York

√ Baker Hall Inc. (dba OLV Human Services) (Erie County) – $32,478

√ Buffalo Vineyard Inc. (dba 5 Loaves Farm) (Erie County) – $49,998

√ Grassroots Gardens of Western New York (Erie County) – $25,000

Food Box Grant Program

The SNAP-Ed Food Box Grant Program provides direct support to community-led gardens and not-for-profits to make local produce available and accessible to SNAP-eligible communities, while also providing nutrition education. As of today, $90,000 has been awarded to nine grantees across New York. Funding is still available, and applications for the program are accepted until 4 p.m. July 18. Eligible groups are encouraged to learn more about this opportunity at https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfa-0273-snap-ed-food-box-grant-program.

State of the State

A press release noted the SNAP-ED Food Box and Community Growers grant programs each support Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2022 State of the State priorities “to make local food accessible to more residents, including those in food deserts and underserved communities, and to encourage more urban farming.

“As part of the governor’s vision to expand SNAP access to New York farms, the state will become a national leader in facilitating SNAP EBT purchases direct from New York farmers online, clearing a major access hurdle. Additionally, SNAP recipients will receive a special FreshConnect benefit toward purchasing a food subscription from a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm. These initiatives will assist underserved members of the community in accessing wholesome fresh food, while also supporting farmers across the state.”