USDA Rolls Out Grants For Cold Chain Improvements

USDA announced Monday it would make $7.5 million in grants available to improve cold-storage capacity for food assistance organizations.  The Department said the Cold Chain Grants program will help nonprofits purchase equipment to temporarily store, package and distribute fresh, frozen and minimally processed foods.

USDA said the funding will help food banks provide more meat, eggs, dairy, produce and other foods from American farmers and ranchers to families in need.  Individual subawards can cover up to $200,000 for equipment, delivery and installation, though recipients must provide a 10% cash match.

“The Trump Administration continues to prioritize providing Real Food for Americans. Over the past year and a half, we have worked hard to incentivize healthier options for Americans and today’s announcement is another step in the right direction,” said Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins.  "With this funding opportunity we will see more cold storage and infrastructure to store homegrown proteins for all Americans to enjoy as we continue to Make America Healthy Again.” 

The program is funded through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act signed into law by President Joe Biden.  Grant applications must be submitted electronically, via grants.gov, by  October 1st,. 

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