FY22-GusNIP-NIP-RFA-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

The Gus Schumacher

Nutrition Incentive Program Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year 2022 Fiscal Year 2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FY 2022 June 30, 2022 FY 2023 March 15, 2023

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: FY 2022 $33,982,780

FY 2023 $36,900,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-FINI-009063

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.331

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing: The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.331.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: FY 2022 5:00 P.M. Eastern, June 30, 2022 FY 2023 5:00 P.M. Eastern, March 15, 2023 [Ref to Part I § C of this RFA]

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)

Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. NIFA recognizes research, education, and extension efforts will have the greatest impacts when equity is grounded in the programs. NIFA is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of programs and encourages individuals, institutions, and organizations from underserved communities to apply to funding opportunities as lead, co-lead, or subaward recipient(s), and to engage as leaders in the peer panel review process to support the development of strong networks and collaborations. NIFA encourages applications that engage diverse communities and have broad impacts through research, education, extension, and integrated activities to address current and future challenges.

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 GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program

RFA.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true mailto:Policy@usda.gov

WHAT’S NEW FOR FY 2022?

1. Beginning in FY 2022, the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Areas and GusNIP Produce Prescription Program Area are published in separate RFAs. Please visit Grants.gov or the NIFA’s RFA list for the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program request for applications.

2. Clarifies that participants receiving either USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or USDA Nutrition Assistance Program for Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands may participate in a GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program project.

3. Broadens the incentive models allowed to:

a. Fruits and vegetables for fruits and vegetables: SNAP/NAP participants purchase fruits or vegetables using their SNAP/NAP benefits and then receive incentives that are redeemable only for the purchase of fruits or vegetables.

b. Any SNAP/NAP eligible food for fruits and vegetables: SNAP/NAP participants purchase any SNAP/NAP eligible food using their SNAP/NAP benefits and then receive incentives that are redeemable only for the purchase of fruits or vegetables.

c. Fruits and vegetables for any SNAP/NAP eligible food: SNAP/NAP participants purchase fruits or vegetables using their SNAP/NAP benefits and then receive incentives that are redeemable for the purchase of any SNAP/NAP eligible food.

4. Requires all applicants to have a consultation session of approximately 1 hour with the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center’s (GusNIP NTAE Center’s) Nutrition Incentive Hub for free one-on-one support and review general pitfalls. Free one-on-one support includes templates, checklists, webinars, and other resources.

5. Requires all applicants to include a letter of support from the GusNIP NTAE Center in their proposal.

6. Provides additional guidance in Part I.D. Program Policy regarding SNAP Policy, such as the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot and Online Ordering.

7. Streamlines project narrative requirements and evaluation criteria for Pilot Project proposals.

8. Removes funding allocation guidance.

https://nifa.usda.gov/rfa-list

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This notice identifies the objectives for GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program 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 2022.

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 2022 is $33,982,780 and the anticipated amount in FY 2023 is $36,900,000.

NIFA requests applications for GusNIP for fiscal years (FY) 2022 and 2023 to support nutrition incentive program projects. The nutrition incentive program funds and evaluates projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Virgin Islands and the USDA Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) for Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands by providing a financial incentive at the point of purchase.

This RFA solicits applications for two review cycles (2022 and 2023). Applicants considering applying to the 2023 review cycle should check the GusNIP RFA webpage and www.Grants.gov after January 15, 2023 for the 2023 Funding Opportunity Number and Application Kit, as well as for any other changes.

The GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center’s (GusNIP NTAE Center’s) Nutrition Incentive Hub provides free one-on-one support, as well as templates, checklists, webinars, and other resources, to all applicants.

These resources are available at: https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/resources and the GusNIP NTAE technical assistance team may be reached at: ta@nutritionincentivehub.org.

When preparing an application all applicants are required to have a consultation session of approximately 1 hour with the GusNIP NTAE Center’s Nutrition Incentive Hub for free one-on-one support and review general pitfalls.

http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/resources mailto:ta@nutritionincentivehub.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT’S NEW FOR FY 2022?

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. 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. Organizational Management Information D. Application Disposition

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 Standard Projects (FIP) Key Information Table 4: GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP) Key Information Table 5: Comprehensive GusNIP Program Evaluation Table Table 6: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 7: Help and Resources Table 8: Key Application Instructions Table 9: 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 Nutrition Incentive Program, Assistance Listing 10.331, is aligned with Strategic Goal 4 of the USDA Strategic Plan: Make Safe, Nutritious Food Available to All Americans. The 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. The GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program aims to fund and evaluate projects intended to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by USDA SNAP participants in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Virgin Islands and the USDA NAP participants in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands by providing incentives at the point of purchase. When the term “SNAP/NAP” is used it is inclusive of both USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the USDA Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/NAP). The terms ‘SNAP”, ’NAP’, and ‘fruits and vegetables’ are defined in Appendix III of this document.

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

For example, in Hampden County, Massachusetts, between November 2011 and December 2012 the Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) was conducted with 55,000 SNAP households. The HIP tested providing SNAP households with 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. In FY 2014, the USDA completed an evaluation of the HIP.

This rigorous evaluation showed that HIP significantly increased the consumption of targeted fruits and vegetables by 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 project proposals must:

1. include a letter of support from applicable SNAP State Agency(ies) or NAP Territory Agency(ies) administering SNAP/NAP;

2. aim to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among SNAP/NAP participants by providing fruit and vegetable incentives at the point of purchase;

3. track the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP/NAP participants;

4. ensure that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by SNAP/NAP participants with incentives provided under the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program as apply to purchases made by individuals who are not members of households receiving SNAP/NAP benefits as provided in 7 C.F.R. 278.2(b);

5. follow the policies, rules, and regulations of the respective food assistance program(s) their nutrition incentive project will partner with;

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.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/hip/final-evaluation-report https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-278/section-278.2#p-278.2(b)

6. 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).

In reviewing applications submitted in response to this RFA, all applications are competitively peer reviewed and ranked in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Where proposals are found to be equally meritorious, based on peer review, selection for funding will be weighed in favor of proposals aligning with and advancing the GusNIP grant program purpose and priorities.

All GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program priorities are given equal consideration and include:

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

2. Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

3. Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect SNAP/NAP participants and agricultural producers;

4. Provide locally or regionally produced and fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those culturally appropriate for the target audience;

5. Include a project design that provides incentives when fruits or vegetables are purchased using SNAP/NAP benefits and in which the incentives earned may be used only to purchase fruits or vegetables;

6. Have demonstrated the ability to provide services to underserved communities; and/or communities where the majority of residents are racial/ethnic minorities, living below the Federal poverty line, and/or rural or remote communities;

7. 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;

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

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

10. Test innovative or promising strategies within the limits of SNAP/NAP policy that would contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP/NAP participants, to inform future efforts; and

11. Involve a diversity of types of firms (e.g., convenience stores, supermarkets, farmers markets).

NIFA encourages pursuing these priorities through traditional ecological knowledge if consistent with the above goals and priorities. Furthermore, NIFA also encourages applicants to highlight proposed project plans that emphasize food security, nutritional quality, environmental stewardship (e.g., food loss and waste, climate), and economic and social equity.

Additionally, NIFA encourages projects that address the following: (1) serve underrepresented communities, such as tribal communities and/or (2) serve underrepresented geographies, such as Alaska, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Delaware, Guam, Idaho, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, US Virgin Islands, and Wyoming.

Grantees that receive GusNIP funds, and receive funds or collaborate with other Federal and/or USDA supported nutrition education programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) or Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), should keep in mind that these 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, or Child Care locations. Similarly, EFNEP funds can be used for educational efforts at venues serving children, young adults, and families with children with limited financial resources.

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

C. Program Area Description Examples of Nutrition Incentive Program projects include, but are not limited to innovative strategies and technology working at point of purchase with SNAP/NAP authorized retailers, including food stores, market stands, farmers markets, direct-marketing farmers (e.g., Community Supported Agriculture programs (CSAs)), marketing and consumer cooperatives, and other SNAP/NAP authorized retail firms.

The Nutrition Incentive Program will support three program area priorities as follows:

1. GusNIP Pilot Projects

2. GusNIP Standard Projects

3. GusNIP Large Scale Projects

1. GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP)

Table 2: GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP) Key Information Title Description Program Code FPP Program Code Name GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP) CFDA Number 10.331 Project Type Pilot Project Application Deadline June 30, 2022 Grant Duration Up to 1 year Anticipated # of Awards Maximum Award Amount $100,000

GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP) support new pilot projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP/NAP participants, by providing incentives at the point of purchase. These differ in their scale from the GusNIP Standard (FIP) and Large Scale Projects (FLSP). Pilot projects are for limited capacity applicants to enhance their portfolios in their abilities to create and sustain fruit and vegetable incentive projects. Amounts requested under FPP must be less than or equal to $100,000. Evaluation criteria for reviewing pilot project proposals are different from those utilized for reviewing standard and large scale proposals. FPPs must operate through authorized SNAP/NAP retailers and comply with all relevant SNAP/NAP regulations and operating requirements.

Priority for funding under the GusNIP Pilot Projects will be given to applicants who have not received grant funding in the past. This priority does not exclude previous grant recipients from being funded. FPP grant proposals will be evaluated based on community needs, objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program’s primary purpose and priorities as described in Part I.B. The expectations for pilot projects, however, will be commensurate with their size (e.g., smaller audiences, more limited geographic reach, less complex collaborative arrangements) and provide an opportunity for smaller or less experienced organizations to propose projects that have smaller budgets and less complex administration.

The terms ‘SNAP/NAP’ and ‘fruits and vegetables’ are defined in Appendix III of this document.

Project Evaluation. All projects must involve SNAP/NAP participants. All FPPs must submit a project proposal that includes a self-assessment method of evaluating the success of the program in developing a viable project, such as a process evaluation or formative evaluation. Because GusNIP Pilot Projects are in the earliest stages of development, they are not required to submit a comprehensive program evaluation like the FIP and FSLP projects. FPPs are encouraged to work with the NTAE Center to include GusNIP comprehensive program evaluation core participant-level and firm-level metrics to be well positioned for future funding opportunities. FPP grantees will be required to provide their self-assessment data to the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE). Additional information is provided in Part I.D.6.

2. GusNIP Standard Projects (FIP)

Table 3: GusNIP Standard Projects (FIP) Key Information Title Description Program Code FIP Program Code Name GusNIP Standard Projects (FIP) CFDA Number: 10.331 Project Type Standard Project Application Deadline: June 30, 2022 Grant Duration Up to 4 years Anticipated # of Awards Maximum Award Amount: $500,000

GusNIP Standard Projects (FIP) support the development and evaluation of new and established tribal, county, district, multi-county, territory, or state-wide projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP/NAP participants by providing incentives at the point of purchase. These differ in their scale from GusNIP Large Scale projects (FLSP). Projects will test strategies to inform future efforts. Amounts requested under FIP must be less than or equal to $500,000. FIP grant proposals will be evaluated based on community needs, objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program’s primary purpose and priorities as described in Part I.B.

Organizations in this category are typically not new to implementing such programs. FIPs do not replace current programming and are required to enhance and/or expand the breadth, scope, or reach of these programs. 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/NAP retailers and comply with all relevant SNAP/NAP regulations and operating requirements. FIPs must use effective and efficient SNAP/NAP benefit redemption technologies. The expectations for standard projects, however, will be commensurate with their size, and provide an opportunity for smaller or less experienced organizations to propose projects that have smaller budgets and less complex administration.

The terms ‘SNAP/NAP’ and ‘fruits and vegetables’ are defined in Appendix III of this document.

Project Evaluation. All FIPs must involve SNAP/NAP participants. All FIP proposals must include an evaluation of whether the project met its goals and objectives. All FIP grantees will be required to participate in the GusNIP comprehensive program evaluation, 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). Additional information is provided in Part I.D.6.

3. 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 10.331 Project Type Large Scale Project Application Deadline June 30, 2022 Grant Duration Up to 4 years Anticipated # of Awards Maximum Award Amount: $500,001 or more

GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP) are designed to create or support large-scale multi-county, territory, state-wide, Tribal Nation, and regional incentive programs that increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP/NAP participants by providing incentives at the point of purchase. Projects will test strategies to inform future efforts. Amounts requested under FLSP must be greater than $500,000. FLSPs grant proposals will be evaluated based on community needs, objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program’s primary purpose and priorities as described in Part I.B.

The terms ‘SNAP/NAP’ and ‘fruits and vegetables’ are defined in Appendix III of this document.

Organizations in this category are typically not new to implementing such programs. FLSPs do not replace current programming and are required to enhance and/or expand the breadth, scope, or reach of these programs. FSLPs are not in the pilot stages of development and should have established relationships with necessary partners and collaborators. FLSPs must not only use effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies but test innovative technologies to increase the fruit and vegetable purchases. FSLPs must operate through authorized SNAP/NAP retailers and comply with all relevant SNAP/NAP regulations and operating requirements. The expectations for large scale projects, however, will be commensurate with their size.

Project Evaluation. All FSLPs must involve SNAP/NAP participants. All FSLP proposals must include an evaluation of whether the project met its goals and objectives. All FLSPs grantees will be required to participate in the GusNIP comprehensive program evaluation, 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). A higher level of rigor will be expected for the FLSP evaluations and sustainability plans.

D. Program Policy This section deals with certain aspects of GusNIP and SNAP/NAP policies as they pertain to the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program. This section also deals with policies regarding the participation of SNAP/NAP authorized retailers or firms (e.g., convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers markets, direct-marketing farmers) participating in GusNIP nutrition incentive projects. “Firm” is defined at 7 CFR 271.2. SNAP and NAP are distinct food assistance programs with their own program rules and regulations. Applications must follow the policies of the respective food assistance program(s) their nutrition incentive project will partner with.

Questions regarding the policies discussed below may be directed to sm.fn.GusNIP@usda.gov.

1. Definition of Incentive.

The term “incentive” means any financial encouragement that would increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP/NAP participants.

a. Examples of allowable financial incentives include but are not limited to coupons or gift cards.

b. Examples of unallowable incentives include, but are not limited to, giveaways of non-food items, such as appliances, cooking utensils, lottery or raffle tickets. Gift cards are unallowable for use as incentives if the gift card can be used for any non- SNAP/NAP item.

The cost of incentives and supplies, such as reinforcement items and educational extenders (e.g., cooking utensils to prepare fruits and vegetables for consumption), 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.

2. Definition of Fruits and Vegetables.

The definition of fruits and vegetables for the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program 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). If any of these items are a listed ingredient, then that https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=329442115b924ed2812c8f8b73ff1e59&mc=true&node=pt7.4.271&rgn=div5#se7.4.271_12 mailto:sm.fn.GusNIP@usda.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6b2c5ee2c0d4d29785d122a55f044a25&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#sp2.1.200.e product is generally not considered a fruit or vegetable. SNAP/NAP 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 fruits and vegetables. Applicants are encouraged to utilize a variety of locally and regionally produced fruits and vegetables, especially those culturally appropriate for the target audience.

Examples of fruit-based and vegetable-based products that do not qualify for the purposes of the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program include accessory food and beverage 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 fruits and vegetables (such as pastries containing fruit, frozen pizza pies, burritos, or fry bread). If you are uncertain as to whether a fruit or vegetable product qualifies for the purposes of the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program, please check the ingredients panel. 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 fruit or vegetable.

3. SNAP/NAP Eligible Foods.

SNAP/NAP Eligible Foods encompasses almost any food or beverage item without restrictions on specific ingredients. Please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items and https://www.fns.usda.gov/nap/nutrition-assistance-program-block-grants for more information about what foods may be purchased with SNAP/NAP benefits.

4. Incentive Models.

The GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program allows incentives to be earned when a SNAP/NAP participant purchases fruits and vegetables, or a SNAP/NAP eligible food. The GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program allows the use of incentives for qualifying fruits and vegetables, or a SNAP/NAP eligible food. A purchase is required, thus a “no purchase required” mechanism and non-financial incentives are not allowable.

The three allowable incentive models are as follows:

a. Fruits and vegetables for fruits and vegetables: SNAP/NAP participants purchase fruits or vegetables using their SNAP/NAP benefits and then receive incentives that are redeemable only for the purchase of fruits or vegetables.

b. Any SNAP/NAP eligible food for fruits and vegetables: SNAP/NAP participants purchase any SNAP/NAP eligible food using their SNAP/NAP benefits and then receive incentives that are redeemable only for the purchase of fruits or vegetables.

c. Fruits and vegetables for any SNAP/NAP eligible food: SNAP/NAP participants purchase fruits or vegetables using their SNAP/NAP benefits and then receive incentives that are redeemable for the purchase of any SNAP/NAP eligible food.

A GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program project must incentivize the purchase of fruits and vegetables. See Part I.D.3. for the definition of Fruits and Vegetables.

GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program applicants may choose to only incentivize a narrower subset of the fruit or vegetable category (e.g., incentivize only fresh, local fruit, traditional subsistence fruits and vegetables, or wild edible and medicinal plants). For example, some applicants have chosen to incentivize the fruits and vegetables that appear on their State’s https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items https://www.fns.usda.gov/nap/nutrition-assistance-program-block-grants

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. However, some States’ WIC APLs may exclude products that would otherwise be considered fruits and vegetables (e.g., white potatoes). Some GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program applicants 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 Nutrition Incentive Program applicants that seek to incentivize only a narrower subset of the fruit or vegetable category must justify their approach in their proposal.

Applicants may not incentivize only specific brand names or product lines of fruits or vegetables, or only a specific subset of fruits or vegetables that are not considered by FNS and NIFA to advance the spirit or purpose of the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program.

Applicants may structure fruit and vegetable incentive models as two separate transactions, during the first transaction the SNAP/NAP participant earns the incentive and during the second transaction the SNAP/NAP participant redeems their incentive. Applicants also have the flexibility to structure the fruit and vegetable incentive model as a single transaction where earning and redemption both take place in one transaction and the SNAP/NAP participant experiences a discount.

5. SNAP/NAP Authorized Retailer (Firm) Requirements.

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, no State/Territory or local sales tax shall be collected on any purchase of food made using GusNIP grant incentives.

Applicants must work with the State/Territory(s) to ensure that no State/Territory or local tax is collected on a purchase of food with assistance provided under GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program projects.

The value of any benefit provided to a participant 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)).

GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program projects 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.

Assistance provided under GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program projects to households receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must not:

a. be considered part of the supplemental nutrition benefits of the household; or

b. 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).

Equal Treatment. Because the statutory language of the 2018 Farm Bill requires GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program projects to provide incentives specifically to SNAP/NAP participants, the equal treatment provision of 7 CFR §278.2(b) and 7 CFR §274.7(f) does not apply to GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program projects for the purpose of providing incentives under the grant. However, if a firm wishes to provide any other type of incentive, outside of the https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Agricultural%20Act%20of%202014.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:2017%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2017)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:2011%20et%20seq%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2011%20et%20seq)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:2022%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2022)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true 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

GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program scope, or some kind of special treatment to only SNAP/NAP participants, the firm must first request an equal treatment waiver from FNS. For more information, visit the Incentive Waiver Guidance web page, or seek assistance from the

NTAE.

EBT Cards. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards are issued by the individual State/Territory SNAP/NAP Agencies. Under Federal rules EBT cards may not be altered in any way. Therefore, applicants and their partner firms may not place barcode, retailer logos, or reward program stickers on EBT cards. Such items could be interpreted as showing Federal or State affiliation, preference or endorsement of certain goods, services, or retailers.

EBT vs. SNAP/NAP transactions. Only purchases made with SNAP/NAP benefits may trigger a GusNIP nutrition incentive. EBT cards may contain both cash and SNAP/NAP benefit accounts; therefore an “EBT” transaction does not always signify a SNAP/NAP transaction. Nutrition Incentive Project proposals must clearly indicate how a partner firm will identify SNAP/NAP transactions for purposes of triggering a GusNIP nutrition incentive.

Refunds. Cash refunds are prohibited for any product purchased with SNAP/NAP benefits.

Providing cash refunds for SNAP/NAP scrip (paper, tokens, or receipts) or items purchased with SNAP/NAP benefits is considered trafficking SNAP/NAP 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/NAP scrip and purchases made with SNAP/NAP benefits must be returned to the SNAP/NAP household’s EBT SNAP/NAP account through a refund transaction on the POS device.

SNAP/NAP authorized firms should have the same refund policy for SNAP/NAP participants as they do for other customers except that cash refunds must never be provided for items purchased with SNAP/NAP benefits. Instead, SNAP/NAP refunds should be returned onto the customer’s EBT card. Because a SNAP/NAP purchase is required in order to earn a nutrition incentive, proposals must describe how refunds for SNAP/NAP benefits used to earn incentives will be monitored so that SNAP/NAP customers are not able obtain a refund for the SNAP/NAP purchase but keep the incentives earned from that purchase.

Incentives must never be exchanged for cash or other non-qualifying items. Furthermore, the value of the incentives must never be returned onto the customer’s EBT card.

Spoiled or undesired food products purchased with nutrition incentives may be exchanged for the equivalent food products or other eligible products of the same value at the firm’s discretion and/or based on their return policies for all customers.

Farmers Market Scrips. Farmers Markets (FM) with one central Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) point-of-sale (POS) terminal often utilize scrip (paper, tokens, or receipts) for the redemption of SNAP/NAP benefits. Under such a system, SNAP/NAP participants 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 specified food at the FM’s stalls and booths. If, after https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/incentive-waiver-guidance-offering-incentives-snap-recipients-snap-authorized-stores https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt shopping, SNAP/NAP participants have unused scrips remaining, they must be able to return to the FM’s central EBT POS terminal for a refund back to the SNAP participant’s EBT SNAP/NAP account. For more information visit SNAP/NAP Scrip Systems.

Nutrition Incentive Program proposals using a FM scrip system must use a distinct GusNIP fruit and vegetable incentive scrip distinct from scrip that can be used to purchase any SNAP/NAP eligible food, regardless of the incentive model selected. FM scrips may only be redeemed as intended at the FM; the value of unused scrips may not be returned onto the SNAP/NAP participant’s EBT SNAP/NAP account. Unused scrip can never be exchanged for cash, other scrip, or other items. Proposals must describe the process by which unused scrip purchased with SNAP/NAP benefits to earn the GusNIP incentive scrip can be returned without allowing SNAP/NAP participants to be able to retain the incentives without making the required upfront SNAP/NAP purchase.

Ex: A SNAP/NAP participant purchases $5 worth of tokens with SNAP/NAP benefits to receive $5 (dollar for dollar) worth of GusNIP incentive tokens. Later the SNAP/NAP customer wants to return $2 worth of the SNAP/NAP tokens but already spent all $5 worth of the incentive tokens, which would result in the customer effectively only making a $3 SNAP/NAP purchase, but still receiving $5 worth of incentives.

Spoiled or undesired food products purchased with GusNIP incentives may be exchanged for the equivalent food products or other eligible products of the same value at the firm’s discretion.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs). CSAs are an allowable business model for both non-profit and for-profit farmers markets and direct marketing farmers. CSAs may accept payment up to 14 days before delivering the food to SNAP/NAP participants or making the food available for pickup.

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

However, the FNS number for individual firms is not public information and is subject to restrictions in SNAP/NAP regulations at 7 CFR §278.1(q); therefore, it must be obtained directly from the firm. Likewise, SNAP/NAP redemption or transaction data at the individual firm-level is considered protected data and must be obtained directly from the firm. GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program applicants should work in close concert with their participating firm 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. Only aggregated SNAP/NAP firm transaction/redemption data may be reported.

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

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-scrip-system https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5#se7.4.278_11 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailerlocator https://usda-fns.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e0f999086f5b4373b3e97bf016f8c216 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5#se7.4.278_11

Allowable Participation of Firms in your Grant Project. It is required to partner with firms to conduct a nutrition incentive project. Types of SNAP/NAP firms include grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, and direct-marketing farmers (CSAs and farm stands).

Before a firm can participate in a GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program project, the applicant/grantee organization must confirm the firm is authorized. The names and addresses of SNAP/NAP authorized firms are available to the public and can be obtained via the SNAP/NAP Retailer Locator map or the GusNIP Incentive Locator map. If the firm is on the map, that means the firm is authorized. The map is updated every two weeks. Once the applicant/grantee organization has confirmed that the firm is SNAP/NAP authorized, the grantee may move forward with the firm’s participation. Information on the eligibility requirement and process for SNAP/NAP authorization can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept For any question regarding the status of a firm’s SNAP/NAP authorization, the firm’s owner should contact the SNAP/NAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SNAP/NAP Firm. Before a firm can participate in a GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program project, the applicant/grantee organization and the partner firm must execute a signed MOU. The MOU provides grantees with a means to ensure that partner firms understand their role and responsibilities and to hold firms accountable for following GusNIP policy and SNAP/NAP rules and regulations. 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 applicant/grantee organization should keep the original MOU in their records and be able to present it in the event of an audit. The NTAE is available to provide applicants/grantees with assistance in developing the terms and conditions of the MOU.

Updating Retailer Partners. On a monthly basis throughout the period of performance of the award, awarded grantees will be responsible for submitting a password protected list of partner firms participating under the grantee’s Nutrition Incentive Program project to FNS. The list must contain the following information for the participating firm:

1. FNS number,

2. Firm name,

3. Firm address, and

4. Approximate start/end dates for the firm’s participation.

Specific instructions on how to provide this information to FNS will be provided to grantees upon award.

SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. On April 18, 2019, FNS launched an Online Purchasing Pilot (OPP) to test the possibility of allowing retailers to accept SNAP benefits through online transactions. If an applicant wishes to offer GusNIP incentives through online purchases, their partnering firm(s) must be participating in the SNAP OPP. Applicants who are interested in learning more, should visit SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot or reach out to the NTAE for additional guidance.

GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program proposals involving online purchasing, must http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailerlocator https://usda-fns.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e0f999086f5b4373b3e97bf016f8c216 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot include a detailed description of how the process will work from the perspective of the SNAP/NAP household and the retailer.

Online Ordering. Online ordering, which is different from online purchasing, involves a SNAP/NAP participant placing an order online or over the phone, but paying for the purchase at the time of pick-up or delivery. Retailers should never accept payment by obtaining a clients’ EBT card number and PIN over the phone. Additionally, SNAP/NAP benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees; retailers that charge delivery fees must accept delivery fee payments via another form of tender.

GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program proposals involving online ordering, must include a detailed description of how the process will work from the perspective of the SNAP/NAP household and the retailer.

Grantee Noncompliance with Program Policy. Grantees and their participating firms are expected to comply with all of the policies and requirements laid out in this RFA document as well as any GusNIP or SNAP/NAP policies or requirements further clarified in Q&As, memoranda, or other relevant USDA documents (including all applicable provisions of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and SNAP/NAP regulations at 7 CFR 278). The NTAE technical assistance team, program advisors, and reporting advisers are available to guide applicants and grantees in addition to NIFA program staff and grants management staff to avoid instances of noncompliance.

Grantees will be notified in writing of instances of noncompliance and will face serious repercussions for repeated instances of noncompliance.

Examples of such noncompliance include, but are not limited to, failure to provide required evaluation data to Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center (NTAE), allowing unapproved firms to participate in a project, and/or incentivizing ineligible products, or exchanging incentives for cash.

Considering a History of Noncompliance during Application Evaluation. A history of noncompliance with GusNIP or any other USDA grant policies and requirements will be considered during the grant application evaluation process as detailed in Part V.

B., Evaluation Criteria.

Partner Firm Training and Outreach Plan. GusNIP nutrition incentive projects succeed best when firm employees are well-trained and involved as stakeholders in the project. Grant proposals must include a detailed partner firm training plan, which describes how and when partner firms and their employees will be trained prior to implementing a nutrition incentive project at a particular firm location. At a minimum, the training plan should ensure that firms and their employees understand: 1) the GusNIP incentive model issuance and redemption process; 2) the allowable foods; and

3) where SNAP/NAP participants should be directed to if they have questions.

Participant Outreach. GusNIP nutrition incentive projects cannot succeed in reaching SNAP/NAP participants without some form of project promotion, outreach, or https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.278&rgn=div5 advertising. Grant proposals must include a detailed SNAP/NAP participant outreach plan. At a minimum, the plan should address how SNAP/NAP participants will be informed of: 1) the fruit and vegetable incentive project and how it works; 2) when and where the project will be implemented; 3) how they can participate in the project; 4) the allowable foods; and 5) where they can get additional information.

If the corresponding State/Territory SNAP/NAP Agency will be involved in this outreach plan, the required Letter of Support from the State/Territory must make mention of their involvement and the extent to which they will provide support.

Restricting nutrition incentive projects to specific groups. Applicants who wish to provide fruit and vegetable incentives to only a certain subset of SNAP/NAP participants must show that: 1) the specific group meets the selection criteria listed in the request for applications; 2) proposal provides a strong, evidence-based justification for selecting the specific group for their intervention; 3) the method for recruiting participants does not raise privacy or ethical concerns; 4) outreach efforts to the specific group alone would not be sufficient to ensure comparable or satisfactory participation of the specific group. The State/Territory SNAP/NAP Agency must provide a statement in their Letter of Support concurring with the applicant’s proposal to limit incentives to the selected group and the method for recruiting participants.

6. Allowable Forms of Project Outreach and Promotion.

Grantees may promote or advertise their nutrition incentive projects using Federal and/or match funds using any mass media (e.g., television, radio, billboards, and geographically focused online social media advertisements). Such mass media advertisement will only be allowable as described under 2 CFR 200.421.