Pennsylvania Governor’s Administration Expands Food Recovery Infrastructure Grants to Help the Charitable Food System

Governor Wolf’s administration is making immediate changes to the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program to help ensure food banks are adequately supplied to meet the needs of Pennsylvania residents.

Increased demand on the charitable food system related to COVID-19 has demonstrated an immediate need for resources to support additional cold storage space, and more flexibility and changes to this grant program. The changes also encourage partnerships between nonprofit organizations such as food banks and farms, processors and cooperatives that continue to experience challenges within the food supply chain as a result of the COVID-19 emergency.

Changes to the grant solicitation process include:

  • Closing the round of grant eligibility on May 8 to review applications and deliver awards as soon as possible;
  • Expanding the list of potential partners beyond retailers and wholesalers to also include farms, processors and cooperatives; and
  • Removing pre-application meeting requirements to expedite applications.

To apply, the applicant must describe its current food recovery operation and explain how the food infrastructure equipment will enhance its current program. The organization must also provide a description of the proposed program and provide what food retailers, wholesalers, farms, processors and cooperatives will be partners for the project. Additionally, the organization must provide a description of how the program will be operated by staff and or volunteers.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 8. Learn how to apply for the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program.