Overview of Grant Opportunity
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating impacts on our nation's food systems and economy, forcing millions of Americans to turn to the emergency food network for aid. Food banks, food pantries, and other community organizations have stepped up to meet the increase in need while simultaneously ensuring staff and recipient health and safety. We applaud them for these efforts, while also recognizing that the pandemic has exposed some inequities within our nation's broader emergency food network – especially in remote, rural, tribal, and/or low-income communities.
As the country rebounds from the pandemic, USDA is interested in building back better, so that TEFAP's collective reach spreads to all eligible individuals in need. In accordance with 7 CFR 251.4(k) and the Build Back Better initiative, the key objective of TEFAP Reach and Resiliency grants is to:
Expand TEFAP's reach into remote, rural, tribal, and/or low-income areas that are underserved by the program.
TEFAP Reach and Resiliency grants provide state agencies with an opportunity to re-envision how they can work with currently participating organizations and/or new partner organizations to meet this objective.
TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Round One Projects
In June, 2022, FNS awarded $39,419,932 in TEFAP Reach and Resiliency round one grants to 38 TEFAP state agencies. The 38 projects represent a variety of unique and impactful projects, each tailored to the specific needs of the requesting state. Notable activities that will take place with TEFAP Reach and Resiliency grant funds include: professional studies and assessments of TEFAP reach, cultural competency training for eligible recipient agency (ERA) staff, expanded mobile distribution infrastructure, critical freezing and cooling investments in rural areas, and targeted outreach activities in tribal areas. Please see the table below for a summary of award amounts by state. To learn more about each state agency’s project visit the project description page.
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National Total $39,419,932 |
The TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Request for Applications (RFA) for round one Reach and Resiliency funds was open from Dec. 6, 2021, to Feb. 18, 2022, and is now closed. A second Reach and Resiliency grant opportunity will be available at a later date.
TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Resources
- Request for Applications - Round One
- Questions and Answers about the RFA - Round One TEFAP Reach and Resiliency (updated 2/10/22)
- TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grants: Overview and How to Apply for Round One Funding Webinar Recording (for state agencies)
- TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grants - Round One: Overview of Grant Initiative Webinar Recording (for eligible recipient agencies)
Visit the TEFAP webpage for general funding announcements, policy resources, and more.