Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance
This grant funds organizations to manage and distribute subawards for cold storage equipment to nonprofits that provide food assistance to low-income individuals.
Funder: Agricultural Marketing Service
Due Dates: October 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: $2,000,000–$7,500,000 per award (2-year projects); approx. $7.5M total available; 1–4 awards expected
Summary: Supports nonprofit organizations to administer subaward programs for cold storage equipment, enhancing emergency food assistance supply chains for vulnerable populations.
Key Information: No cost share required for prime recipients; 10% cash match required from subrecipients.
Description
This opportunity from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) funds nonprofit organizations to implement and manage a competitive subaward program for cold chain equipment in emergency food assistance. The program aims to enhance the capacity of food banks, pantries, and similar organizations to store, package, and distribute fresh, minimally processed, and nutrient-dense foods—including meats, dairy, eggs, and produce—to individuals and families with low incomes or facing challenging financial circumstances. The selected grantee(s) will design and oversee a subaward process, provide technical assistance, and ensure that at least 80% of the federal funds are distributed as equipment-focused subawards to eligible organizations.
