FY26-GusNIP-NI-NOFO-P.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity The Gus Schumacher

Nutrition Incentive Program

FUNDING YEAR:

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 16, 2026

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $36,300,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-FINI-011905

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.331

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 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: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, June 16, 2026 [Ref to Part I, C of this NOFO]

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

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to the extent permitted by law, will no longer make grants or otherwise fund programs or activities that improperly discriminate on the basis of race or sex, including discrimination in the name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. Instead, USDA will prioritize merit and efficiency. USDA recognizes programs and initiatives will have the greatest impact when these programs and initiatives put American farmers, ranchers, and foresters first by:

• solving the most pressing challenges they face;

• protecting America’s food, fuel, and fiber supply to enhance national security;

• supporting production of healthy and safe food for consumers;

• expanding and developing domestic markets;

• training the next generation of agriculturalists; and

• fueling innovation to keep American farmers at the forefront of productivity.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to advancing these principles and encourages applicants to actively engage farmers, ranchers, and foresters when applying for funding opportunities to ensure relevancy and adherence to them. NIFA also encourages agricultural leaders to engage in the peer review panel process to ensure American producers are better served through research, education, and extension activities.

Projects submitted under this NOFO should align with USDA Secretary’s Memorandum 1078- 020 Directive on Departmental Research and Development Priorities:

1. Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers

2. Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products

3. Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species

4. Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land

5. Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality

Stakeholder Input. National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seeks comments on all Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments to the extent possible https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf when developing NOFO, and uses the 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. Please use the following subject line: Response to GusNIP NOFO.

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 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

FY 2026 UPDATES

1. Clarifies in Part I, D Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy that SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card numbers may not be used, collected, possessed, maintained, logged, or tracked, in whole or in part, for any purpose.

2. Clarifies eligible entities are governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations.

3. Clarifies that 48 U.S.C. 1469a(d) applies to the GusNIP.

4. Uniform Guidance has changed the de Minimis Rate to 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) in Part IV, C.

5. Awardees will implement updated core metrics.

6. Consultation with the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center prior to applying is encouraged for new applications.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This notice identifies the objectives for the GusNIP-Nutrition Incentive Program (NI) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. The amount available for grants in FY 2026 is approximately $36,300,000.

The GusNIP-NI 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 U.S. Virgin Islands; and the USDA Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) Block Grants for Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands by providing a financial incentive at the point of purchase.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

FY 2026 UPDATES

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. Application Restrictions 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 C. Funding Restrictions

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 C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting 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 KEY INFORMATION

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 of Agriculture is authorized to administer GusNIP.

B. Purpose and Priorities The GusNIP-NI, Assistance Listing 10.331, brings together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system to foster understanding of how they might leverage Federal nutrition assistance programs to improve food insecurity, nutrition, and health status of participating households.

Established in the 2018 Farm Bill, the GusNIP portfolio has provided more than $330,000,000 in funding to nearly 250 projects. The GusNIP portfolio includes three competitive grant programs:

(1) the Nutrition Incentive Program (NI); (2) the Produce Prescription Program (PPR); and (3) the National Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers Program

(NTAE).

The purpose of the GusNIP-NI is to fund and evaluate projects intended to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands; and the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) Block Grants 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 means both the SNAPNAP Block Grants. For further guidance, the terms ‘SNAP’, ‘NAP’, and ‘fruits and vegetables’ are defined in Appendix III.

The GusNIP-NI is designed to support growth through three incremental program areas. These program areas assist eligible organizations to initiate pilot projects, then increase their capacity and scale to propose projects with greater reach, scope, and complexity to standard projects and large-scale projects. These investments support the vision of the GusNIP portfolio whereby federal funds are leveraged to advance local capacity and, over time, other funding sources or business plans are secured for the projects to become self-sustaining.

NIFA encourages applicants to highlight proposed project plans that strengthen strategies to encourage healthy choices, healthy families, and healthy outcomes and aim to accelerate progress on the President’s Make America Healthy Again strategy. NIFA also encourages proposed project plans that take innovative approaches to connect America’s farmers to SNAP/NAP participants.

All applications submitted in response to this NOFO will be competitively peer reviewed and ranked in accordance with the evaluation criteria in Part V, B. 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-NI purpose and priorities. NIFA reserves the right to evaluate the peer review panel recommendations to ensure balance of award recommendations across lead organization, project director, and geographical distribution.

All GusNIP-NI proposals must:

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1. Include a letter of support from applicable SNAP Implementing Agency(ies) or NAP Territory Agency(ies) administering SNAP and NAP, respectively.

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

5. 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 CFR 278.2(b).

6. Participate in the GusNIP comprehensive program evaluation, including required project data collection, and sharing of data with the NTAE.

C. Program Area Description Examples of GusNIP-NI projects include, but are not limited to, innovative strategies to provide fruit and vegetable incentives and increase the redemption rate at the point of purchase at 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 GusNIP-NI will support three program area priorities as follows:

1. GusNIP Pilot Projects (FPP)

2. GusNIP Standard Projects (FIP)

3. GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP)

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)

ALN 10.331

Project Type Pilot Project Application Deadline June 16, 2026

Grant Duration 12 months Maximum Award Amount $100,000

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 FIP and FLSP. Pilot projects are for new entrants to the nutrition incentive field to enhance their portfolios and 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.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory https://www.fns.usda.gov/nap/nutrition-assistance-program-block-grants#PR https://www.fns.usda.gov/nap/nutrition-assistance-program-block-grants#PR https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-278/section-278.2#p-278.2(b)

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 proposals will be evaluated based on community needs, objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP-NI 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.

All projects must involve SNAP/NAP participants and a SNAP/NAP purchase. 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 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 NTAE. Additional information is provided in Part I, D of this NOFO.

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)

ALN 10.331

Project Type Standard Project Application Deadline June 16, 2026

Grant Duration Up to 36 months 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 statewide 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) which test strategies to inform future efforts. Amounts requested under FIP must be less than or equal to $500,000. FIP proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria in Part V, B and the community needs, objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP-NI purpose and priorities as described in Part I, B of this NOFO.

Organizations in this category are typically not new to implementing such programs. FIPs do not replace current programming and are required to enhance understanding of project components that contribute to increased purchase and/or consumption of fruits and vegetables 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 incentive 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.

All FIPs must involve SNAP/NAP participants and a SNAP/NAP purchase. 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 NTAE. Additional information is provided in Part I, D of this NOFO.

FIP proposals must include the vision for achieving a self-sustaining project over time. Project sustainability in the project narrative should describe sustainability in the context of continuing to serve community members. Project financial sustainability should be described in the business plan. Additional information is provided in Part IV, B of this NOFO.

3. GusNIP Large Scale Projects

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

Title Description Program Code FLSP

Program Code Name GusNIP Large Scale Projects (FLSP)

ALN 10.331

Project Type Large Scale Project Application Deadline June 16, 2026

Grant Duration Up to 36 months Maximum Award Amount: > $500,000

GusNIP Large-Scale Projects (FLSP) are designed to create or support large-scale multi-county, territory, statewide, 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. FLSP proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria in Part V, B and the community needs, objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the GusNIP-NI purpose and priorities as described in Part I, B of this NOFO.

Organizations in this category are typically not new to implementing such programs. FLSPs do not replace current programming and are required to enhance understanding of project components that increase purchase and/or consumption of fruits and vegetables 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 incentive redemption technologies but test innovative outreach and promotion strategies to increase fruit and vegetable purchases and/or consumption.

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.

All FSLPs must involve SNAP/NAP participants and a SNAP/NAP purchase. All FSLP proposals must include an evaluation of whether the project met its goals and objectives. All FLSP 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 NTAE. A higher level of rigor will be expected for the FLSP evaluation plans.

All FLSP proposals must include the vision for achieving a self-sustaining project over time.

Project sustainability in the project narrative should describe sustainability in the context of continuing to serve community members. Project financial sustainability should be described in the business plan. Additional information is provided in Part IV, B of this NOFO. A higher level of rigor will be expected for the FLSP community service and financial sustainability plans.

D. Program Policy This section deals with certain aspects of SNAP/NAP policies as they pertain to the GusNIP-NI.

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 NI projects. For SNAP, “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 and supplies 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 frozen, canned, dried, or fresh; whole or cut fruits and vegetables;

without added sugars, fats, oils, and salt (i.e., sodium). If any of these items are a listed ingredient, then that 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.

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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 (e.g., pastries containing fruit, frozen pizza pies, burritos, or fry bread). For more information about accessory foods, please visit https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/Accessory_Foods_List.pdf. If you are uncertain as to whether a fruit or vegetable product qualifies for the purposes of the GusNIP-NI, 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 Eligible Foods encompass almost any food or beverage item without restrictions on specific ingredients. Please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items for more information about what foods may be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Eligible Foods for each NAP block grant differ from SNAP. Consult the respective NAP-administrating agency for the most up-to-date information. Administrating agencies for NAP block grant programs include:

a) The Administration for the Socio-Economic Development of the Family, Department of Family Affairs in Puerto Rico, Nutritional assistance program.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/nap/nutrition-assistance-program-block-grants#PR

b) The American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services in the Territory of American Samoa, http://dhss.as/index.html; and

c) The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, https://dcca.gov.mp/nap-nutrition-assistance-program/.

4. Incentive Models

The GusNIP-NI allows incentives to be earned when a SNAP/NAP participant purchases fruits and vegetables, or a SNAP/NAP eligible food. The GusNIP-NI 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 nonfinancial 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.

https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/Accessory_Foods_List.pdf https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/Accessory_Foods_List.pdf https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/Accessory_Foods_List.pdf https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items https://serviciosenlinea.adsef.pr.gov/programas/programa-asistencia-nutricional-pan.html https://www.fns.usda.gov/nap/nutrition-assistance-program-block-grants#PR http://dhss.as/index.html https://dcca.gov.mp/nap-nutrition-assistance-program/ https://dcca.gov.mp/nap-nutrition-assistance-program/

A GusNIP-NI project must incentivize the purchase of fruits and vegetables. See Part I, D of this NOFO for the definition of Fruits and Vegetables.

GusNIP-NI applicants may choose to only incentivize a narrower subset of the fruit or vegetable category (e.g., incentivize only 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 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-NI 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-NI 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 USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and NIFA to advance the spirit or purpose of the GusNIP-NI .

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. In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 7517(d)(2), each state shall ensure that no state or local tax is collected on a purchase of food using GusNIP grant incentives. Applicants must work with the state/territory(ies) to ensure that no state/territory or local tax is collected on a purchase of food with assistance provided under GusNIP-NI projects. See also Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 Section 4(a).

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)). Therefore, the value of GusNIP incentives cannot be considered as income;

including under laws relating to taxation, welfare, and public assistance programs.

GusNIP-NI 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-NI projects to households receiving benefits under SNAP/NAP must not:

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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-NI 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 GusNIP-NI scope, or some kind of special treatment to only SNAP participants, the firm must first request an equal treatment waiver from FNS. For more information, visit the SNAP Incentive Waiver Request web page, or seek assistance from the NTAE.

SNAP EBT Cards and NAP Paper Coupons. SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, Puerto Rico NAP EBT cards, and American Samoa NAP and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands NAP numerically serialized paper coupons are issued by the individual state/territory SNAP/NAP agencies. Under federal SNAP/NAP rules, neither EBT cards nor NAP paper coupons may be altered in any way.

Therefore, applicants and their partner firms may not place barcodes, retailer logos, or reward program stickers on EBT cards or coupons. Such items could be interpreted as showing federal, state or territory affiliation, preference or endorsement of certain goods, services or retailers.

To improve and expand EBT recipient fraud prevention, no SNAP EBT card number in whole or in part is permitted to be used, collected, possessed, maintained, logged or tracked for any purpose.

EBT cards may contain both cash and SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP benefit accounts;

therefore an “EBT” transaction does not always signify a SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP transaction.

Nutrition Incentive project proposals must clearly indicate how a partner firm will identify SNAP/NAP transactions for purposes of earning a fruit and vegetable incentive.

Refunds. Refund policies differ between SNAP and NAP Programs. Applicants must adhere to the refund policy issued by the individual State/Territory SNAP/NAP Agency.

Specific to SNAP, cash refunds are prohibited for any product purchased with SNAP benefits. Providing cash refunds for SNAP scrip (paper, tokens, or receipts) 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 SNAP account through a refund transaction on the point-of-sale (POS) device.

SNAP and Puerto Rico NAP authorized firms should have the same refund policy for SNAP participants as they do for other customers except that cash refunds must never be 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt7.4.274&rgn=div5#se7.4.274_17 https://www.fns.usda.gov/form/snap-incentives https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt provided for items purchased with SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP benefits. Instead, SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP refunds should be returned onto the customer’s EBT card. Because a SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP purchase is required in order to earn a nutrition incentive, proposals must describe how refunds for SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP benefits used to earn incentives will be monitored so that SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP customers are not able obtain a refund for the SNAP/ Puerto Rico NAP purchase but keep the incentives earned from that purchase.

Incentives must never be exchanged for cash or other nonqualifying 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.

Specific to American Samoa NAP and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands NAP, there is no refund policy with paper coupons.

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 benefits. Under such a system, SNAP 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 shopping, SNAP 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 account either the same or subsequent day. For more information visit SNAP Scrip Systems.

Nutrition Incentive Program proposals using a FM scrip system must use a GusNIP fruit and vegetable incentive scrip distinct from scrip that can be used to purchase any SNAP 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 participant’s EBT SNAP 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 benefits to earn the GusNIP incentive scrip can be returned without allowing SNAP participants to be able to retain the incentives without making the required upfront SNAP purchase.

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

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-scrip-system

Specific to American Samoa NAP and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands NAP, there is no exchange of paper coupons for Farmers Market Scrip. Puerto Rico NAP participants can purchase fresh agricultural products at Family Market venues with NAP benefits through the EBT card.

SNAP benefits may not be converted to e-tokens or any other type of currency not specifically approved under the scrip demonstration waiver. That waiver is only for Farmers Markets and only for physical scrip/tokens or receipts returned to the vendor after an EBT transaction. Any proposals using e-tokens or other electronic delivery methods for the incentives should provide a detailed description of the process, including the type of equipment needed by both vendors and customers, refund processes specific to e-tokens, and information about the technology provider.

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 not accept payment from SNAP/NAP participants more than 14 days before food delivery or 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.

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 must 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.

Allowable Participation of Firms in the 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-NI project, the applicant/grantee organization must confirm the firm is authorized.

The names and addresses of SNAP authorized firms are available to the public and can be obtained via the SNAP Retailer 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 authorized, the grantee may move https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-278/section-278.1 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-278/section-278.1 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator forward with the firm’s participation. Information on the eligibility requirement and process for SNAP authorization can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept.

For any questions regarding the status of a firm’s SNAP authorization, the firm’s owner should contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.

Specific to NAP, approved firms in the territories of American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are issued an Authorization Card by the NAP Retail and Redemption Officer. Firms in Puerto Rico are authorized through the Departamento de la Familia. A list of PAN certified firms can be found at:

https://serviciosenlinea.adsef.pr.gov/

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SNAP/NAP Firm. Before a firm can participate in a GusNIP-NI 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 SNAP 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 new SNAP partner firms participating under the grantee’s Nutrition Incentive Program project to FNS. The list must contain the following information for the participating SNAP firm:

1) Organization name,

2) Nutrition Incentive Program award number,

3) Firm FNS number,

4) Firm name,

5) Firm address, and

6) Approximate start/end dates of 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.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept https://serviciosenlinea.adsef.pr.gov/ https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot

GusNIP-NI proposals involving online purchasing must include a detailed description of how the process will work from the perspective of the SNAP 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 or coupon number 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-NI 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.

NAP Puerto Rico offers Purchases Online. Through Purchases Online NAP Puerto Rico participants may select their groceries through approved food retailers’ online sites, then complete the payment transaction at the retailer’s store when they pick up their food.

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 NOFO 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 regulations at 7 CFR 278). The NTAE technical assistance team, program advisors, and reporting advisors 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 the NTAE, allowing unapproved firms to participate in a project, and/or incentivizing ineligible products or exchanging incentives for cash. 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-NI 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.

6. Allowable Forms of Project Outreach and Promotion.

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Participant Outreach. GusNIP-NI projects cannot succeed in reaching SNAP/NAP participants without some form of project promotion, outreach, or 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.

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. Regardless of format, promotional activities funded with Federal and/or match funds:

a. Must present factual statements intended to inform, not to persuade or make an emotional appeal;

b. May include locational information about firms (i.e., the address of firms participating in the grantee's project);

c. May also specify that firms accept SNAP/NAP and EBT/NAP paper coupons (this includes appropriate logo use. More information regarding the use of the SNAP logo can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/logo-guidance); and

d. May include information describing the mechanics of the grantee's project (e.g., spend $1 on fruits or vegetables and earn $1 to spend on more fruits or vegetables).

Under no circumstances may grantees engage in any activities intended to persuade or recruit individuals to apply for SNAP/NAP benefits. The use of GusNIP Federal and/or match funds to encourage or assist individuals in applying for or obtaining SNAP/NAP benefits is strictly prohibited.

State/Territory Flexibilities in Project Promotion. Only state/territory SNAP/NAP agencies are permitted to contact SNAP/NAP participants using the contact information state/territory agencies collect for SNAP/NAP participation. This is protected information and thus cannot be provided to applicants/grantees even under an MOU. State/territory SNAP/NAP agencies are strongly encouraged to assist GusNIP-NI grantees in their area.

State/territory SNAP/NAP agencies can help by promoting incentives to SNAP/NAP households. For example, GusNIP promotional material may inform SNAP/NAP recipients on how fruit and vegetable incentives work, the location of participating firms, and where to get additional information.

Examples of allowable promotional activities include:

a. Making nutrition incentive project promotional materials available at local

SNAP/NAP offices;

b. Allowing promotional videos to be played at local SNAP/NAP offices; or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.421 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/logo-guidance

c. The state/territory agency sending grantees’ promotional materials through direct mail to area SNAP/NAP participants.

State/Territor…