PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative
Forecasted
PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative supports Pennsylvania grocery stores and food enterprises with projects that expand fresh food access in underserved communities and markets for local producers.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 for grocery stores or $100,000 for food enterprises; 15% match required
Summary: Reimbursement grants expand fresh food access in underserved Pennsylvania communities and markets for Pennsylvania producers.
Key Information: Applicants must earn at least 70% of revenue from selling fresh, staple, and perishable food to consumers.
Description
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Food Financing Initiative supports grocery stores and food enterprises that bring affordable, high-quality fresh food to underserved communities. It funds establishment, construction, rehabilitation, expansion, and equipment purchases, with priority for establishments serving food deserts.
Projects are intended to strengthen local food systems and generate measurable economic benefits for Pennsylvania agricultural producers. The program supports increased sourcing, aggregation, sales, and market development, as well as technologies and delivery methods that broaden purchasing options. Examples include mobile or pop-up markets, mobile Electronic Benefit Transfer readers, and improvements to distribution efficiency.
