FY21-GusNIP-MOD-RFA-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATION

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition

Incentive Program

FUNDING YEAR: FY 2021

FY 2022

FY 2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 16th, 2021

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: None Required

FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Approximately $41,600,000

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.331

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture

(USDA).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program is listed in the Assistance Listings under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 10.331.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, March 16th, 2021

Letter of Intent: Not Required

Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice (NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Stakeholder Input. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seeks comments on all request for applications (RFAs) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments, to the extent possible when developing RFAs and use comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)).

Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov (email is for comments only).

Please use the following subject line: Response to The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program RFA.

https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Agricultural%20Research%2C%20Extension%2C%20and%20Education%20Reform%20Act%20of%20%201998.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Agricultural%20Research%2C%20Extension%2C%20and%20Education%20Reform%20Act%20of%20%201998.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Agricultural%20Research%2C%20Extension%2C%20and%20Education%20Reform%20Act%20of%20%201998.pdf

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This notice identifies the objectives for Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions.

This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2021.

Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or a full appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The anticipated amount available for grants in FY 2021 is approximately $41,600,000.

NIFA requests applications for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) for fiscal years (FY) 2021, 2022 and 2023 to support projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and nutrition assistance by providing incentives at the point of purchase.

1. The anticipated amount available for NIFA to support this program in FY 2021 is approximately$41.6 million.

2. The anticipated amount available for NIFA to support this program in FY2022 is approximately $48.7 million.

3. The anticipated amount available for NIFA to support this program in FY2023 is approximately $51.5 million.

This notice identifies the objectives for GusNIP projects, deadline dates, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a GusNIP grant.

This RFA solicits applications for three review cycles (2021, 2022, and 2023). Applicants considering applying to the 2022 and 2023 review cycles should check the GusNIP RFA webpage and www.grants.gov after December 15, 2021 for the 2022 Funding Opportunity Number and Application Kit, as well as for any other changes. The 2023 funding opportunity will be released at a later date.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description D. Program Policy

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Types of Application C. Project and Grant Types D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application B. Content and Form of the Application

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP) Key Information Table 3: GusNIP Projects (FIP) Key Information Table 4: GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP) Key Information Table 5: Produce Prescription (PPR) Key Information Table 6: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 7: Help and Resources Table 8: Key Application Instructions Table 9: Comprehensive GusNIP Program Evaluation Table Table 10: Description of Program Area Names and Codes

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 7517, the Secretary is authorized to administer The Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program (GUSNIP). This authority is delegated to the Director of NIFA through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE) (see 79 FR 44101 (July 30, 2014).

B. Purpose and Priorities The GusNIP grant program, Assistance Listing 10.331, is aligned with Strategic Goal 7 of the USDA Strategic Plan: Provide all Americans access to a safe, nutritious and secure food supply.

The primary goal and objective of the GusNIP program is to fund and evaluate projects intended to “increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase” (7 U.S.C. 7517(b)(2)(A)(ii)(II) as amended). For GusNIP, nutrition incentive grants, NIFA defines “fruits and vegetables” as “any variety of fresh, canned, dried, or frozen whole or cut fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils, and salt (i.e. sodium).” The program will test strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants to inform future efforts.

Incentivizing purchases of fruits and vegetables increases their affordability and consumption.

For example, in FY 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) completed an evaluation of the Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP), which investigated the impact of making fruits and vegetables more affordable to SNAP participants. Under HIP, SNAP households received 30 cents on every SNAP dollar they spent on targeted fruits and vegetables at participating SNAP-authorized firms including large supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers markets. This pilot operated in Hampden County, MA between November 2011 and December 2012. A rigorous evaluation showed that HIP significantly increased the consumption of targeted fruits and vegetables and this increased consumption was on the order of about one quarter of a cup per day. The final evaluation report is available online at Healthy Incentives Pilot Final Evaluation Report.

All GusNIP nutrition incentive grants must do the following: (1) aim to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase; (2) operate through authorized and reported SNAP firms per Part I Section D of this RFA titled “Program Policy”, and in compliance with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements; (3) agree to participate in the GusNIP comprehensive program evaluation, including required project data collection, sharing of data with the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center (NTAE) and use of Data Use Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as outlined in Part IV § B and Part I § D of this RFA (Content and Form of Application Submission and Program Policy, respectively); and (4) ensure that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by individuals with SNAP benefits and with incentives provided under the GusNIP grant program as apply to purchases made by individuals who are not members of households receiving benefits as provided in 7 C.F.R. 278.2(b).

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7517%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7517)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-07-30/pdf/2014-17352.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-07-30/pdf/2014-17352.pdf https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/hip/final-evaluation-report https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/hip/final-evaluation-report https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f1168714ca1eed2fa5b78cd757014d90&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5#se7.4.278_12

Applicants must submit a letter of support from applicable SNAP State Agencies as part of their grant application.

In reviewing applications submitted in response to this RFA, and depending on the type of GusNIP grant or project (as described in further detail in Part I, C.1, C.2, and C.3), NIFA will give priority to projects that:

• Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;

• Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

• Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;

• Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables;

• Include a project design (1) that provides incentives when fruits or vegetables are purchased using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; and (2) in which the incentives earned may be used only to purchase fruits or vegetables;

• Have demonstrated the ability to provide services to underserved communities and/or economically distressed communities, particularly Opportunity Zones;

• Include coordination with multiple stakeholders, such as farm organizations, nutrition education programs, cooperative extension services, public health departments, health providers, private and public health insurance agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery associations, and community-based and non-governmental organizations;

• Offer supplemental services in high-need communities, including online ordering, transportation between home and store, and delivery services;

• Include food retailers (firms) that are open (1) for extended hours and (2) most or all days of the year.

Grantees that receive GusNIP funds and receive funds or collaborate with other USDA nutrition education programs, such as SNAP-Ed or EFNEP, should keep in mind:

• These USDA programs are evidence-based and help people lead healthier lives. They teach people about good nutrition, how to make their food dollars stretch further, and how to be physically active.

• While GusNIP and nutrition education programs are encouraged to form partnerships and collaborations to leverage resources, Federal nutrition education program funds may not be used to provide actual cash or other financial incentives.

• SNAP-Ed funds can be used for policy, systems and environmental change interventions, such as working with firms on fruit and vegetable product placement, and social marketing in addition to educational efforts at venues such as Farmers Markets, Senior Centers, Child Care locations. Similarly, EFNEP funds can be used for educational efforts at venues serving people with limited financial resources.

The GusNIP grant program presents the opportunity to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster understanding of how they might improve the nutrition and health status of participating households receiving incentives through the purchase of fruits and vegetables.

Produce Prescription Grants, which are a distinct type of GusNIP grant, also present an opportunity to bring together stakeholders from various parts of the food and healthcare systems and to foster understanding of how they might improve the health and nutrition status of participating households prescribed fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to educational opportunities relating to nutrition to members participating in a produce prescription project.

Produce Prescription Grants are aimed at groups developing county, multi-county, and state-wide programs, partnering with one or more healthcare entities. Pilot Produce Prescription Projects may be aimed at groups developing programs at less than the county level. The primary purpose of the produce prescription grants is to conduct projects that demonstrate and evaluate the impact of the projects on (1) the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and (3) the reduction in healthcare use and associated costs.

In carrying out a project using a produce prescription grant an eligible entity shall partner with 1 or more healthcare partners. Full application requirements for Produce Prescription program area begin on page 14. Handling of baseline data and data collection will be addressed in the Data Management Plan (DMP) in accordance with the Part IV(B) of this RFA.

eXtension. GusNIP encourages (but does not require) projects that develop content suitable for delivery through eXtension

Global Engagement. NIFA supports global engagement that advances U.S. agricultural goals.

NIFA recognizes that collaboration with international partners may be necessary to attain the agency's goals for U.S. agriculture, promote global competence of our nation’s future agricultural workforce, and promote safe and nutritious food security in a growing world.

Therefore, although application to this RFA is limited to eligible U.S. institutions, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the U.S.

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program is aligned with the following USDA Strategic Goals:

1. Strategic Goal 7: Provide all Americans Access to a Safe, Nutritious, and Secure Food Supply.

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program also aligns with the USDA Science Blueprint:

1. Theme 3 - Food and Nutrition Translation

Additional requirements on expected performance goals, indicators and targets may be required as a condition of award.

C. Program Area Description NIFA is soliciting applications under the following program areas:

There are three types of GusNIP Grants:

• Nutrition Incentive Grants;

• Produce Prescription Grants; and

• Cooperative Agreements (not available every year).

https://impact.extension.org/ https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-blueprint.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-blueprint.pdf

Project types within these respective grant types are as follows:

• Pilot Projects;

• Standard Projects; and

• Large Scale Projects.

In FY 2021, applicants may submit proposals for Nutrition Incentive Grants and Produce Prescription Grants.

Nutrition Incentive Grants;

Table 2 GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP) Key Information Title Description Program Code: FPP Program Code Name: GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP) CFDA Number 10.311 Project Type: Pilot Project Grant Type: Nutrition Incentive Grant Application Deadline March 16th 2021 Grant Duration: Project Period up to one year Anticipated # of Awards:

Maximum Award Amount: Not to Exceed approximately $100,000

GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP) program area supports the development of projects with an infusion of federal dollars to pilot innovative strategies to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (as defined in Subpart VIII (D) of this document) by low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. FPPs must operate through authorized SNAP firms and comply with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. FPPs are aimed at new entrants seeking funding for an innovative project in the early stages of incentive program development. The projects should be designed to create novel community-based food incentive projects with objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP grant program’s primary goals to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster understanding of how they might improve the nutrition and health status of participating households receiving incentives through the purchase of fruits and vegetables.

Preference will be given to pilot projects that do one or more of the following:

a) Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participant;

b) Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

c) Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;

d) Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables;

e) Include a project design (1) that provides incentives when fruits or vegetables are purchased using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; and (2) in which the incentives earned may be used only to purchase fruits or vegetables;

f) Have demonstrated the ability to provide services to underserved communities; and/or economically distressed communities, particularly Opportunity Zones;

g) Include coordination with multiple stakeholders, such as farm organizations, nutrition education programs, cooperative extension services, public health departments, health providers, private and public health insurance agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery associations, and community-based and non-governmental organizations;

h) Offer supplemental services in high-need communities, including online ordering, transportation between home and store, and delivery services; and

i) Include food retailers (firms) that are open (1) for extended hours and (2) most or all days of the year.

Examples of FPPs include, but are not limited to, innovative strategies, and technology working at point of purchase with SNAP authorized firms, including food stores, market stands, farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture programs (CSAs), marketing and consumer cooperatives, and other SNAP authorized firms.

Project Self-Evaluation. All projects must involve SNAP participants. All FPPs must submit a project proposal that includes a method of evaluating the success of the program in developing a viable project. Because GusNIP Pilot Projects are in the earliest stages of development and would not offer a fair test of effectiveness, they will only be required to submit limited information and data for the comprehensive program evaluation that will inform the Department of potential new strategies and promising new programs to consider in future funding cycles.

Project assessments must follow USDA guidelines to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of methods, outcomes, and measures. FPP grantees will be required to provide their self-assessment data to the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE).

GusNIP Projects (FIP)

Table 3: GusNIP Projects (FIP) Key Information

Title Description Program Code: FIP

Program Code Name: GusNIP Projects (FIP) CFDA Number 10.311

Project Type: Standard Project Grant Type: Nutrition Incentive Grant

Application Deadline March 16th 2021 Grant Duration: Project Period up to 4 years

Anticipated # of Awards:

Maximum Award Amount: Not to Exceed approximately $500,000

GusNIP Projects (FIP) program area supports the development and evaluation of projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (as defined in Part VIII D. of this RFA) by low-income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase. The projects will test strategies that could increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants to inform future efforts.

FIPs should be designed to create or support local community-based food projects with objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP grant program’s primary goals.

FIP(s) are aimed at mid-sized groups developing incentive programs at the local or state level;

organizations in this category are typically not new to implementing such programs, although projects are required to expand the breadth, scope or reach of these programs. FIPs do not supplant current programming. FIPs are not in the pilot stages of development and should have established relationships with necessary partners and collaborators. FIPs must operate through authorized SNAP firms and comply with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. These projects present the opportunity to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster understanding of how they might improve the nutrition and health status of participating households receiving incentives through the purchase of fruits and vegetables.

Preference will be given to projects that do one or more of the following:

a) Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;

b) Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

c) Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;

d) Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables;

e) Include a project design (1) that provides incentives when fruits or vegetables are purchased using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; and (2) in which the incentives earned may be used only to purchase fruits or vegetables;

f) Have demonstrated the ability to provide services to underserved communities; and/or economically distressed communities, particularly Opportunity Zones;

g) Include coordination with multiple stakeholders, such as farm organizations, nutrition education programs, cooperative extension services, public health departments, health providers, private and public health insurance agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery associations, and community-based and non-governmental organizations;

h) Offer supplemental services in high-need communities, including online ordering, transportation between home and store, and delivery services;

i) Include food retailers (firms) that are open (1) for extended hours and (2) most or all days of the year; and

j) Use effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies.

Examples of FIPs include, but are not limited to, innovative strategies, and technology working at point of purchase with SNAP authorized firms, including food stores, market stands, farmers’ markets, CSAs, marketing and consumer cooperatives, and other SNAP authorized firms.

Project Self-Evaluation. All FIPs must involve SNAP participants and include an evaluation of whether the project met its goals and objectives. Project evaluations must follow USDA guidelines to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of methods, outcomes, and measures.

All FIPs grantees will be required to collect core participant-level and firm-level metrics, cooperate with and contribute core participant-level and firm-level data to the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE).

GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP) Table 4: GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP) Key Information

Title Description Program Code: FLSP

Program Code Name: GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP) CFDA Number 10.311

Project Type: Large Scale Project Grant Type: Nutrition Incentive Grant

Application Deadline March 16th 2021 Grant Duration: Project Period up to 4 years

Anticipated # of Awards:

Maximum Award Amount: $500,001 or more

The primary purpose of the GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP) program area is to develop and evaluate projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (as defined in Part VIII D of this RFA) by low-income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase. The projects will test strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants to inform future efforts.

FLSPs are designed to create or support multi-county, State-wide and regional incentive programs. FLSPs should be coordinated food projects with objectives, activities, and outcomes that align with the GusNIP grant program’s primary goals to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster understanding of how they might improve the nutrition and health status of participating households receiving incentives through the purchase of fruits and vegetables. Projects must operate through authorized SNAP firms and comply with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. Projects are required to expand the breadth, scope or reach of these programs. FLSPs do not supplant current programming.

Preference will be given to projects that do one or more of the following:

a) Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;

b) Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

c) Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;

d) Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables;

e) Include a project design (1) that provides incentives when fruits or vegetables are purchased using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; and (2) in which the incentives earned may be used only to purchase fruits or vegetables;

f) Have demonstrated the ability to provide services to underserved communities; and/or economically distressed communities, particularly Opportunity Zones;

g) Include coordination with multiple stakeholders, such as farm organizations, nutrition education programs, cooperative extension services, public health departments, health providers, private and public health insurance agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery associations, and community-based and non-governmental organizations;

h) Offer supplemental services in high-need communities, including online ordering, transportation between home and store, and delivery services;

i) Include food retailers (firms) that are open (1) for extended hours and (2) most or all days of the year; and

j) Use effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies.

GusNIP Large Scale Projects include, but are not limited to, innovative strategies, and technology working at point of purchase with SNAP authorized firms, including food stores, market stands, farmers’ markets, CSAs, marketing and consumer cooperatives, and other SNAP authorized firms.

Project Self-Evaluation. All projects must involve SNAP participants and include an evaluation of whether the project met its goals and objectives. Project evaluations must follow USDA guidelines to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of methods, outcomes, and measures.

A higher level of rigor will be expected for the FLSP evaluations. All FLSPs grantees will be required to collect core participant-level and firm-level metrics, cooperate with and contribute core participant-level and firm-level data to the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE).

Produce Prescription (PPR)

Table 5: Produce Prescription (PPR) Key Information

Title Description Program Code: PPR

Program Code Name: Produce Prescription (PPR) CFDA Number 10.311

Project Type: Pilot Projects and Standard Projects Grant Type: Produce Prescription Grant

Application Deadline March 16th 2021 Grant Duration: Project Period up to 3 years

Anticipated # of Awards:

Maximum Award Amount: Approximately $500,000 or less; total available is approximately $4.8 million in FY2021; approximately $5.3 million in FY2022; and approximately $5.6 million in

FY2023 –

Not more than ten percent of the total funding may be allocated towards the PPR program area. NIFA anticipates allocating 10 percent of the GUSNIP funding for PPR grants, which is currently estimated at approximately $4.8 million in FY2021; approximately $5.3 million in FY2022; and approximately $5.6 million in FY2023.

In carrying out a project using a PPR grant an eligible entity shall partner with 1 or more healthcare partners. Standard Projects are aimed at groups developing county, multi-county, and state-wide programs. Pilot Projects may be aimed at groups developing programs at less than the county level. The primary purpose of the PPR program area is to conduct projects that demonstrate and evaluate the impact of the projects on (1) the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and (3) the reduction in healthcare use and associated costs.

To be eligible to receive a PPR grant an eligible entity must prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables to members; and either provide financial or non-financial incentives for members to purchase or procure fresh fruits and vegetables; provide educational resources on nutrition to members; or establish additional accessible locations for members to procure fresh fruits and vegetables.

Individuals can participate in the PPR program if they are eligible for the following: (1) benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or (2) medical assistance under a State plan or a waiver of such a plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and enrolled under such plan or waiver; and (3) a member of a low-income household that suffers from, or is at risk of developing, a diet-related health condition.

Applicants should request a budget and project period commensurate with the proposed project.

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Application. An application must identify the one or more healthcare partners with which the eligible entity is partnering with and include a description of the methods by which an eligible entity must:

• Screen and verify eligibility for members for participation in a produce prescription project. This may be a one- or two-part verification process;

• Implement an effective produce prescription project, including the role of each healthcare partner in implementing the produce prescription project;

• Evaluate members participating in a produce prescription project with respect to the impact of the project participation on (1) the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and (3) the reduction in healthcare use and associated costs;

• Provide educational opportunities relating to nutrition to members participating in a produce prescription program; and

• Inform members of the availability of produce prescription program, including locations at which produce prescriptions may be redeemed.

Additional Application Requirements:

• Include a description of any additional non-profit or emergency feeding organizations that shall be involved in the project and the role of each in implementing and evaluating an effective PPR grant;

• Include documentation of a partnership agreement with a relevant State Medicaid agency, hospital, hospital or clinic operated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Federally qualified health center, healthcare provider group, Tribal health center, public health departments or private and public health insurance agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of the produce prescription project in reducing healthcare use and associate costs;

• Collect core participant-level and firm-level metrics, cooperate with and contribute core participant-level and firm-level data to the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE) evaluation report;

• Include an agreement stating your organization intends to share information and core data with the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE).

Project Self-Evaluation. All projects must involve eligible participants under PPR and include an evaluation of whether the project met its goals and objectives. Project evaluations must follow USDA guidelines to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of methods, outcomes, and measures. A higher level of rigor will be expected for the PPR evaluations. All PPRs grantees will be required to collect core participant-level and firm-level metrics, cooperate with and contribute core participant-level and firm-level data to the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE).

The following applies under the PPR program area:

In general, the value of any benefit provided to a participant in any activity funded under the PPR will be treated as supplemental nutrition benefits under section 8(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2017 (b)).

The following applies to all GusNIP grant types (Nutrition Incentive Grants and Produce Prescription Grants)

a) Prohibition on Collection of Sales Taxes. Each State must ensure that no State or local tax is collected on a purchase of food with assistance provided under GusNIP grants

b) No limitation of benefits. Grants made available under GusNIP cannot be used to carry out any project that limits the use of benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) or any other Federal nutrition law.

c) Household Allotment. Assistance provided under GusNIP to households receiving benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program must not:

i) be considered part of the supplemental nutrition benefits of the household; or

ii) be used in the collection or disposition of claims under section 13 of the Food and

Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2022).

D. Program Policy

This section deals with certain aspects of GusNIP and SNAP policies as they pertain to the GusNIP grant program. This section also deals with policies regarding the participation of firms (e.g., convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers markets, direct-marketing farmers) participating in GusNIP grant projects. “Firm” is defined at 7 CFR 271.2. Questions regarding the policies discussed below may be directed to sm.fn.GusNIP@usda.gov General questions about SNAP and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) should be directed to USDA FNS’s Ask the Expert system at: Ask the Expert (→ “Nutrition” → “Supplemental Nutrition Asst. Prgm.”).

This system can provide prompt answers for general SNAP inquiries.

1. Definition of Incentive

The term “incentive” means any financial inducements that would increase the purchase and consumption of GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables by SNAP clients.

a) Examples of allowable financial incentives include coupons or gift cards redeemable for GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables.

b) Examples of unallowable incentives include, but are not limited to, giveaways of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and lottery tickets.

The cost of incentives must be allowable under the applicable cost principles in 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E.

Unallowable incentives may not be paid for with either Federal or matching funds.

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2. Firm Requirements

GusNIP Qualifying Fruits and Vegetables. A GusNIP grant project must incentivize the purchase of GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables. Such GusNIP qualifying fruits or vegetables would be considered SNAP staple foods in the fruit or vegetable staple food category.

GusNIP grantees may choose to only incentivize a narrower subset of the GusNIP qualifying fruit or vegetable category (e.g., incentivize only fresh, local fruit). For example, some grantees have chosen to incentivize the fruits and vegetables that appear on their States’ Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Approved Products List (APL). This is an acceptable subset of fruits and vegetables to incentivize under GusNIP. It should be noted, however, that some States’ WIC APLs may exclude products that would otherwise be considered GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables (e.g., white potatoes).

Some GusNIP grantees have, nevertheless, opted to incentivize only fruits and vegetables that appear on their States’ WIC APLs as this simplifies implementation with their participating firms. GusNIP grantees that seek to incentivize only a narrower subset of the GusNIP qualifying fruit or vegetable category must justify this in their proposal.

GusNIP grantees may not incentivize only specific brand names or product lines of qualifying fruits or vegetables, nor may GusNIP grantees incentivize only a specific subset of GusNIP qualifying fruits or vegetables that are not considered by FNS and NIFA to advance the spirit or purpose of the GusNIP grant program.

The definition of GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables for nutrition incentive grants includes any variety of fresh, canned, dried, or frozen whole or cut fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils, and salt (i.e. sodium). Examples of GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables include, but are not limited to, the following: frozen spinach, fresh apples, sundried tomatoes, 100% orange juice, and canned artichoke hearts (so long as these products contain no added sugars, fats, oils, or salts). SNAP eligible seeds and plants intended for cultivation and consumption (e.g., tomato seeds or tomato plants) and fresh herbs (e.g., fresh basil, thyme, or mint) are also considered GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables.

Examples of fruit-based and vegetable-based products that do not qualify for the purposes of GusNIP include accessory food items such as powdered, dried, or extracted herbs and spices, fruit punch (less than 100% fruit juice), honey, ketchup and other condiments, as well as multiple ingredient food items that are not primarily composed of qualifying fruits and vegetables (such as pastries containing fruit, frozen pizza pies, or burritos). If you are uncertain as to whether a fruit or vegetable product qualifies for the purposes of GusNIP, please check the ingredients panel for the presence of the four aforementioned additives. If sugars, fats, oils, or salts are present as a listed ingredient on the product’s nutrition label, then that product is generally not considered a GusNIP qualifying fruit or vegetable.

GusNIP allows the use of incentives only for qualifying fruits and vegetables. Incentives cannot be used for purchase or redemption of any other SNAP eligible food. Additionally, a “no purchase required” mechanism and non-financial incentives are allowable only for the Produce

Prescription Grants. For all other GusNIP grants a purchase is required, and non-financial incentives are not allowed.

Sales Tax. Per Section 4405(a)(3) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), as amended by Section 4208 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), no State or local sales tax shall be collected on any purchase of food made using GusNIP grant incentives.

Equal Treatment. Because the statutory language of the 2018 Farm Bill requires GusNIP grantees to provide incentives specifically to SNAP clients, the equal treatment provision of 7 CFR §278.2(b) and 7 CFR §274.7(f) does not apply to GusNIP grantees for the purpose of providing incentives under the grant.

Refunds. Farmers Markets (FMs) with one central EBT point-of-sale (POS) terminal often utilize scrip or tokens for the redemption of SNAP benefits. Under such a system, SNAP households swipe their EBT cards at the FM’s central EBT POS terminal for a declared amount and receive specially marked tokens which can only be spent on eligible food at the FM’s stalls and booths.

If, after shopping, SNAP households still possess an excess of these tokens they may return to the FM’s central EBT POS terminal for a refund on such tokens.

Refunds, both for such tokens and for any product purchased with SNAP benefits, can never be made in cash. Providing cash refunds for SNAP scrip or items purchased with SNAP benefits is considered trafficking SNAP benefits. This is a serious violation of SNAP rules and can have lasting legal ramifications for any firm engaging in such practices. Refunds of SNAP scrip and purchases made with SNAP benefits must be returned to the SNAP household’s EBT card through a refund transaction on an EBT POS device.

Incentives received through a GusNIP grant are intended to increase the consumption of qualifying fruits and vegetables and must be spent accordingly. The returning or refunding of GusNIP benefits is not consistent with the intention of the GusNIP grant program. While spoiled or undesired food products purchased with GusNIP benefits may be exchanged for equivalent food products at the firm’s discretion, GusNIP benefits may neither be refunded with cash, nor refunded onto a SNAP household’s EBT card through a refund transaction on an EBT POS device.

Therefore, if an FM using a scrip system utilizes a distinct GusNIP benefit token (i.e., valid only for GusNIP qualifying fruits and vegetables), such tokens may only be redeemed as intended at the FM; they may not be refunded or exchanged.

SNAP Firm Data Confidentiality. Under 7 CFR §278.1(q), certain forms of SNAP firm information are prohibited from disclosure. Local and State SNAP Agencies may not disclose such firm data to GusNIP grantees. The names and addresses of SNAP authorized firm are available to the public and can be obtained via the SNAP Retailer Locator.

However, the FNS number for individual firms is not public information and is subject to restrictions in SNAP regulations at 7 CFR §278.1(q); therefore, it must be obtained directly from the firm. Likewise, SNAP redemption or transaction data at the individual firm level is considered protected data and must be obtained directly from the firm. GusNIP grantees should https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Agricultural%20Act%20of%202014.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5#se7.4.278_12 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5#se7.4.278_12 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.274&rgn=div5#se7.4.274_17 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5#se7.4.278_11 http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailerlocator https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5#se7.4.278_11 work in close concert with their participating firm in order to obtain any such required information. Both the FNS number and individual firm transaction/redemption data, while necessary for data collection and evaluation purposes, are protected and shall not be published in a public report. SNAP firm transactions/redemptions should only be reported in aggregate.

Whenever transmitting any confidential SNAP firm data to FNS or NIFA, this data must be password protected.

Changes in Grantee Primary Point of Contact. As described in Part VIII § A (2) of this RFA, all grantees are required to inform the USDA regarding any changes in their grant project’s primary point(s) of contact. At the very least this means that grantees must inform NIFA and FNS points of contact of any change to their Project Directors (PDs) no more than 10 calendar days after the change occurs. Grantees are also strongly encouraged to inform NIFA and FNS points of contact of changes to other primary grantee points of contact in a timely fashion. The NIFA and FNS points of contact are listed in Part VII. As necessary, NIFA will provide updates to USDA points of contacts to all grantees.

Allowable Participation of Firms in your Grant Project. It is necessary to partner with firms to conduct a grant project. Before a firm can participate in a GusNIP grant, the following steps must occur in this order:

1. If the firm is not already SNAP authorized, the firm applies for and obtains SNAP Authorization;

2. The grantee and firm sign a MOU (for more regarding this MOU, see below);

3. The firm submits the signed MOU to the SNAP Retailer Service Center;

4. The grantee submits to FNS the firm’s information (i.e., FNS number, firm name, firm address); and,

5. FNS responds within 30 calendar days to approve or deny the participation of the firm.

This application process may take up to 60 calendar days, so it is important that GusNIP grantees work closely with their firms to ensure that this firm approval process is not delayed. More information is available regarding this process online at: FINI Grant Program. The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Grant Program was formerly known as the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI).

Memorandum of Understanding between Grantee and Firm(s). GusNIP grantees must work with their prospective firm(s) to obtain a MOU before that firm can participate in the GusNIP grant. The MOU must be signed and dated by the grantee project director(s) and all of the firm’s owners. If the grantee is working with a chain of centrally owned and operated firms, then one MOU that includes all relevant information on every participating firm location will be sufficient. The MOU must be accompanied by a coversheet bearing the GusNIP grantee name, the GusNIP grant award number, the firm’s name(s), the firm’s FNS number(s), and the phrase “GusNIP Grantee-Firm MOU Attached”.

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The MOU must be submitted by the firm to the SNAP Retailer Service Center before USDA can approve the firm to participate in a GusNIP grant project and must include the following information:

• The name of the firm (including any other names the firm does business as or under);

• The street address of the firm;

• The mailing address of the firm (if different than the street address of the firm);

• The firm’s FNS number;

• The firm’s hours and days of operation;

• The proposed start date of the firm’s participation in the grantee’s GusNIP grant;

• The expected end date of the firm’s participation in the grantee’s GusNIP grant;

• A general description of the incentives being offered at the firm as part of the project;

• A general description of any other waivers expected, requested, received, or applicable to the firm’s involvement in the project;

• An acknowledgement that the firm will provide the grantee with all incentive transaction- related data necessary for a robust evaluation of the GusNIP grant and that this data will be furnished to NIFA and FNS;

• An acknowledgement that the firm will follow all relevant GusNIP and SNAP rules including, but not limited to, the following:

i. The firm will only accept incentives for GusNIP qualifying fruits or vegetables;

ii. The firm will never accept incentives for ineligible products (i.e., non-food, alcohol, tobacco, or hot food products);

iii. The firm will never exchange incentives for cash (i.e., trafficking);

iv. The firm will never provide cash or SNAP EBT change for incentives;

v. The firm will never provide cash or SNAP EBT refunds for incentives;

vi. The firm will never accept incentives from individuals known not to be legally entitled to possess incentives;

vii. The firm will never accept incentives to pay credit accounts; and,

viii. The firm will never knowingly provide false information of a substantive nature regarding their participation in the grant project.

• An acknowledgement that any firm’s failure to abide by GusNIP and SNAP rules may result in SNAP disqualification, civil money penalties, and/or criminal penalties;

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