The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program

Applicants for the GusNIP must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.1. FPP, FIP, FLSP, & PPR Eligible EntityEligibility to receive this grant is limited to government agencies and non-profit organizations (FCEA, § 4405(b)(2)(A)). Eligible government agencies and non-profit organizations may include: an emergency feeding organization; an agricultural cooperative; a producer network or association; a community health organization; a public benefit corporation; an economic development corporation; a farmers’ market; a community-supported agriculture program; a buying club; a SNAP-authorized retailer (firm); and a State, local, or tribal agency. All applicants must demonstrate in their application that they are a government agency or non-profit organization.To be eligible to receive a FPP, FIP, FLSP, & PPR grant, applicants must propose projects that: (1) would increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in SNAP or in the PPR program according to PPR eligibility, by providing incentives at the point of purchase; (2) operate through authorized SNAP firms, and comply with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements; (3) agree to participate in the GusNIP comprehensive program evaluation; (4) ensure that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by individuals with SNAP benefits and with incentives under the GusNIP grant program as apply to purchases made by individuals who are not members of households receiving benefits as provided in 7 C.F.R. 278.2(b); and (5) include effective and efficient technologies for benefit redemption systems that may be replicated in other States and communities.Note: Because the statutory language of the 2018 Farm Bill requires GusNIP grantees to provide incentives specifically to SNAP clients, the equal treatment provision of 7 CFR 278.2(b) does not apply to GusNIP grantees for the purpose of providing incentives under the GusNIP grant.In addition, applicants must meet the following requirements to receive a FPP, FIP, FLSP, & PPR grant: (1) have experience in: (i) efforts to reduce food insecurity in the community, including food distribution, improving access to services, or coordinating services and programs; or (ii) experience with the SNAP program; (2) demonstrated competency to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary documentation; and (3) possess a demonstrated willingness to share information with researchers, evaluators, practitioners, and other interested parties, including a plan for dissemination of results to stakeholders.Projects are encouraged to provide employees with important job skills. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to have experience in the following areas: (i) community food work, particularly concerning small and medium-sized farms, including the provision of food to people in low- income communities and the development of new markets in low-income communities for agricultural producers; and (ii) job training and business development activities for food-related activities in low-income communities

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