The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) awarded a $17,399,770 Project Grant under the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to Sustainable Food Center Inc. The 48-month grant, beginning September 1, 2024, aims to: 1) Expand the Double Up Texas (DUTX) nutrition incentive program into at least two grocery stores in all 11 Texas public health regions, 2) Increase produce sales of Texas farmers by expanding DUTX into at least three farm direct sites in all 11 regions and increasing local sourcing for DUTX grocery partners, 3) Increase participation across all DUTX sites through novel marketing tactics, and 4) Increase consumption of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables among SNAP households by providing culturally relevant nutrition and cooking education.
The grant will provide over $5.2 million in nutrition incentives to Texas SNAP households, with a focus on expanding the program to underserved areas including East Texas, West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. Key sub-awardees include the City of San Antonio's Small Business Assistance & Outreach, Texas Health Resources Inc., and Brownsville Wellness Coalition, who will support implementation of the DUTX program at sites within their respective regions.
Generated 3/25/25, 4:18 AM