301-27-040 Grant Opportunity Virginia Produce Incentive Program (VPIP)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is soliciting proposals for a single grant award to a charitable organization to administer the Virginia Produce Incentive Program (VPIP), with proposals due October 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This is a restricted competition: only one Virginia-based charitable organization will be awarded.

Eligible applicants must be legally registered charitable organizations in good standing with the Commonwealth, must have operated for a minimum of three years with demonstrated relevant experience, and must have no outstanding VDACS compliance issues. The awardee will administer grant funding to enhance purchasing power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants by matching SNAP/EBT dollars to double the buying power of fresh fruits and vegetables at participating locations including farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stores, and grocery stores. The organization must establish partnerships with participating vendors, develop relationships with Virginia farmers and producers across the Commonwealth, and market the program to potential customers.

The maximum grant award is $1 million for a one-year grant period running November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027. Direct project costs for produce purchases and administrative costs not to exceed 10 percent of the total award are allowable, encompassing personnel, travel, supplies, and contractual services. Reimbursement is made on a cost-substantiation basis monthly or quarterly within 30 days of receipt of invoices, reimbursement forms, and detailed expenditure documentation.

Competitive evaluation assigns 35 points to Project Purpose, 15 points to Measurable Outcomes, 15 points to Project Plan, and 35 points to Budget. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF to Jose Millan (Jose.Millandiaz@vdacs.virginia.gov) and Keisha Williams (keisha.williams@vdacs.virginia.gov), with all attachments and letters of support included in one file.