Grants for Food Banks
Federal food bank grants provide USDA Foods, administrative funding, infrastructure support, and farm-to-food-bank programs. Access TEFAP emergency food assistance funding for nonprofit food pantries, hunger relief organizations, and community feeding programs.
Food Bank Grant Categories
TEFAP - The Emergency Food Assistance Program
The primary federal program supporting food banks and pantries. USDA provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states, which distribute to local emergency feeding organizations serving low-income individuals and families.
- USDA Foods: $461.5 million (FY 2024) purchasing USDA Foods - shelf-stable items, frozen proteins, fresh produce, dairy products
- Administrative Costs: $80 million (FY 2024) for storage, transportation, distribution, and operational expenses
- Bonus Foods: $955 million (FY 2023) in surplus agricultural commodities purchased to support farm markets
- CCC Supplemental Funding: $943 million (FY 2024) additional food purchasing through Commodity Credit Corporation
2024 Total: TEFAP provided over $2.4 billion in food and administrative support to food banks nationwide, reaching millions of food-insecure households.
TEFAP Infrastructure Grants
Competitive grants improving food bank capacity, storage facilities, refrigeration equipment, distribution networks, and transportation infrastructure.
- Reach and Resiliency Grants: $100 million (American Rescue Plan) awarded 2022-2023 to 42 state TEFAP agencies
- Eligible Projects: Cold storage expansion, warehouse construction, refrigerated trucks, food safety equipment, distribution center upgrades
- Geographic Focus: Remote, rural, tribal, and low-income areas underserved by existing TEFAP infrastructure
- Capacity Building: Improving ability to handle increased food volumes, reduce waste, expand service coverage
- Advocacy Priority: Reauthorize and increase to $200 million annually for ongoing infrastructure support
Impact: Infrastructure grants enable food banks to serve 30-50% more households by improving storage capacity and distribution efficiency.
Farm to Food Bank Projects
Section 4018(b) of the 2018 Farm Bill authorized funding for projects harvesting, processing, packaging, or transporting agricultural commodities donated by farmers, processors, or distributors.
- Harvest Support: Funding for gleaning programs recovering unharvested crops directly from farms
- Processing Grants: Equipment and labor for washing, cutting, packaging donated produce for distribution
- Transportation Funding: Refrigerated trucks, delivery logistics moving donated commodities from farms to food banks
- Partnership Programs: Connecting food banks with agricultural producers, processors, distributors donating surplus products
- Food Waste Reduction: Rescuing nutritious food that would otherwise be discarded due to cosmetic imperfections or market oversupply
Benefit: Farm-to-food-bank programs provide fresh, locally-sourced produce improving nutrition quality while reducing agricultural waste.
Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
FEMA-administered program providing funding to local nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental organizations supporting families experiencing or at risk of hunger and homelessness.
- Food Assistance: Emergency food boxes, hot meals, grocery vouchers, pantry operations, feeding programs
- Shelter Support: Coordinated services addressing both hunger and housing insecurity for vulnerable families
- Local Distribution: Funds distributed through jurisdiction Local Boards to community organizations
- Competitive Application: Organizations apply through local boards during open application periods
- Flexible Use: Covers food purchases, operational costs, staff time, transportation, storage
Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program
USDA NIFA program supporting innovative community-based food projects, though not included in FY 2025-2026 funding opportunities. Past programs funded food hubs, urban agriculture, nutrition education, and food access initiatives.
- Community Food Security: Projects improving food access in underserved neighborhoods
- Local Food Systems: Farmers markets, food hubs, CSA programs, farm stands in food deserts
- Nutrition Education: Cooking classes, healthy eating workshops, food preservation training
- Urban Agriculture: Community gardens, urban farms, school gardens providing fresh produce
- Partnership Approach: Collaboration between food banks, community organizations, local governments, farmers
Status: Program funding not included in recent fiscal years. Monitor USDA NIFA for potential future opportunities.
Private Foundation & Corporate Grants
Non-federal funding from private foundations, corporations, and charitable organizations supporting food bank operations, capacity building, and hunger relief initiatives.
- Popeyes Foundation Food Love Grants: $1,000-$60,000 grants to local 501(c)3 nonprofits providing food assistance (2026 applications opening)
- Walmart Foundation: Fighting Hunger Together initiative supporting food banks, meal programs, food rescue operations
- Feeding America Network: National food bank network providing grants, training, shared resources to member food banks
- State/Regional Foundations: Community foundations, United Way chapters, regional hunger coalitions
- Corporate Donations: Food industry partners, grocery chains, manufacturers donating products and funding
Resources: GrantWatch lists 900+ nutrition/food grants. Instrumentl shows 56 food pantry opportunities totaling $9.7M available.
State & Regional Food Security Programs
State-specific funding supporting local food bank infrastructure, emergency food assistance, and hunger relief initiatives beyond federal TEFAP programs.
- Iowa Food Insecurity Infrastructure Fund: Up to $2 million (25% of project costs) for food bank facility improvements, projects complete by June 30, 2026
- California Farm to Community Food Hubs: State grants supporting food hub development connecting farms to food banks and community organizations
- Community Food Bank Grants: Regional food banks (e.g., Southern Arizona) offering Thriving Communities Grants ($20K individual, $50K collaborations)
- State Emergency Food Programs: State-funded supplements to TEFAP providing additional food purchasing and distribution support
- Local Government Support: County/city funding for food pantries through CDBG, human services contracts, emergency assistance programs
Who Can Apply
Organizations Eligible for Food Bank Grants
- State TEFAP Agencies: State departments of agriculture, health, social services receiving federal TEFAP formula grants
- Regional Food Banks: Large nonprofit warehouses/distributors serving networks of local food pantries, member agencies
- Community Food Pantries: 501(c)3 nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community centers operating emergency food programs
- Feeding America Members: 200+ food banks in Feeding America network eligible for national grants, shared resources, training
- Faith-Based Organizations: Churches, temples, mosques operating food ministries, soup kitchens, pantry programs
- Tribal Organizations: Tribal governments, Native American community organizations serving reservation populations
- Community Action Agencies: CAAs administering emergency food assistance within anti-poverty service portfolios
- Nonprofit Coalitions: Regional hunger relief coalitions, food rescue organizations, mobile pantry operators
TEFAP Eligibility Requirements
To receive USDA Foods and administrative funding through TEFAP, emergency feeding organizations must meet state-established standards and federal guidelines.
- Nonprofit Status: 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization or government agency serving public benefit mission
- Food Safety Standards: Adequate storage (temperature control, pest control), safe handling practices, proper sanitation
- Household Eligibility: Serve individuals/families at or below 185% federal poverty level (states may set lower thresholds)
- Distribution Requirements: Distribute USDA Foods at no cost to eligible households, no resale or exchange for services
- Recordkeeping: Maintain distribution records, household eligibility documentation, inventory tracking, program compliance reports
- State Agreement: Sign state TEFAP participation agreement, complete required training, submit regular reporting
- Nondiscrimination: Serve all eligible individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious belief
State Variations: Specific requirements vary by state. Contact your state TEFAP agency for eligibility criteria, application process, and program guidelines.
Individual Access to Food Assistance
Important: Food bank grants fund organizations, not individuals. People experiencing food insecurity do not apply for grants. Instead, they receive free emergency food through grant-funded food banks, pantries, and feeding programs.
- Income Eligibility: Most TEFAP programs serve households at/below 185% federal poverty level (e.g., $56,025 for family of 4 in 2026)
- No Application Required: Many food pantries operate "no questions asked" or client choice models requiring only name/address
- Documentation: Some programs require proof of residency, income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters), household size documentation
- Frequency Limits: Pantries may limit visits (e.g., once monthly, twice monthly) depending on funding and food availability
- Find Food Banks: Use Feeding America's food bank locator, 211 helpline, state TEFAP directories to find local emergency food assistance
How to Access Food Bank Funding
For Organizations Seeking Grants
- Determine Funding Pathway
Identify appropriate funding: TEFAP (through state agency), competitive federal grants (Grants.gov), private foundation grants (GrantWatch, Instrumentl), local funding (community foundations, corporate giving).
- Join State TEFAP Program
Contact your state TEFAP agency (often Department of Agriculture, Health, or Social Services). Complete participation application, demonstrate food safety standards, sign distribution agreement, attend required training.
- Register for Federal Grants
Obtain UEI number (SAM.gov), complete Grants.gov registration for competitive opportunities (infrastructure, farm-to-food-bank, discretionary programs). Process takes 2-4 weeks - start early.
- Build Organizational Capacity
Develop grant writing capacity, financial management systems, program evaluation processes, compliance infrastructure. Many regional food banks offer training for smaller pantries.
- Network with Partners
Join Feeding America (if eligible), state hunger coalitions, local food bank networks. Access shared resources, training, bulk purchasing, grant opportunities.
For Individuals Seeking Food Assistance
- Locate Nearby Food Banks & Pantries
Use Feeding America's food bank locator (feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank), dial 211 for local resources, search "[your city] food pantries", ask social service agencies.
- Check Operating Hours & Requirements
Call ahead to confirm hours (many operate limited days/times), ask about documentation needed (ID, proof of residency, income verification), inquire about frequency limits.
- Visit Food Pantry
Arrive during operating hours with required documentation. Most pantries offer client choice (select foods) or pre-packed boxes. Services are free - you do not pay for food.
- Access Additional Food Programs
Apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps), WIC (pregnant women, infants, children), free/reduced school meals, senior nutrition programs (Meals on Wheels, congregate meals).
- Utilize Emergency Resources
For immediate need: mobile food pantries, community meals (soup kitchens, hot meal programs), school weekend backpack programs, summer feeding sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TEFAP and how does it fund food banks?
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is the primary federal program supporting food banks and pantries nationwide. USDA provides two types of support:
- USDA Foods: Government purchases 100% American-grown food commodities (canned goods, proteins, produce, grains, dairy) and ships to state agencies, which distribute to local food banks
- Administrative Funds: Cash grants covering storage, transportation, distribution, staff costs, facilities - states allocate to food banks based on need
How It Works: States receive formula allocations based on population and poverty levels. States contract with regional food banks, which distribute USDA Foods and funding to local pantries serving eligible low-income households.
FY 2024 Investment: TEFAP provided $461.5M food purchasing, $80M administrative costs, $943M CCC supplemental, $955M bonus foods = $2.4B+ total support.
Can individual food pantries apply directly for TEFAP funding?
No, not directly. TEFAP operates through a three-tier distribution system:
- USDA → States: USDA provides foods and administrative funds to state TEFAP agencies
- States → Regional Food Banks: States distribute to large warehouse operations serving multiple counties
- Food Banks → Local Pantries: Regional food banks allocate foods and funding to local emergency feeding organizations
To Access TEFAP: Local pantries join their state's TEFAP program through the state agency (not USDA directly). Meet state requirements (nonprofit status, food safety, eligibility procedures), sign participation agreement, receive regular USDA Foods shipments and administrative reimbursement.
Find Your State Agency: Search "[your state] TEFAP coordinator" or contact your regional Feeding America food bank for state contact information.
What can TEFAP administrative funds be used for?
TEFAP administrative grants (50% federal, 50% state/local match) support operational costs for storing, transporting, and distributing USDA Foods to eligible households:
- Storage Facilities: Warehouse rent, utilities, property insurance, facility maintenance, temperature-controlled storage
- Transportation: Refrigerated trucks, fuel, vehicle maintenance, delivery logistics, mileage reimbursement
- Equipment: Forklifts, pallet jacks, freezers, coolers, shelving, food safety equipment
- Personnel: Warehouse workers, drivers, distribution coordinators, volunteer coordinators (proportional to TEFAP activities)
- Eligibility Operations: Intake staff, documentation systems, household eligibility determination processes
- Program Administration: Recordkeeping, inventory management, reporting, compliance monitoring, training
Restrictions: Cannot use for direct food purchases (USDA provides foods), program promotion/fundraising, non-TEFAP activities, political activities, sectarian religious purposes.
Are there grants for starting a new food pantry?
Yes, though startup funding often comes from local sources rather than federal programs. Strategies for new food pantry funding:
- Community Foundations: Local community foundations often prioritize startup grants for hunger relief organizations (typical range: $5,000-$25,000)
- Faith-Based Sponsorship: Churches, temples, mosques providing facility space, startup funding, volunteer support for affiliated pantries
- United Way: Local United Way chapters funding emerging nonprofits addressing food insecurity
- Corporate Foundations: Grocery chains, food manufacturers, regional businesses supporting local hunger relief startups
- Feeding America Membership: Once operational, join regional Feeding America food bank for bulk food access (pennies per pound), training, capacity building
- TEFAP Participation: After establishing 501(c)3 status and meeting food safety standards, join state TEFAP for free USDA Foods and administrative support
Startup Timeline: Establish 501(c)3 (3-6 months), secure facility and equipment, recruit volunteers, build partnerships with regional food bank, apply for local foundation grants, join TEFAP program.
How do farm-to-food-bank programs work?
Farm-to-food-bank programs rescue fresh produce and agricultural products that would otherwise go to waste, providing nutritious donations to food banks while reducing farm losses:
- Gleaning Operations: Volunteers harvest remaining crops after commercial picking - farmers donate access to fields with produce that didn't meet market standards
- Processor Donations: Food manufacturers donate products with packaging errors, overproduction, seasonal surplus, discontinued items
- Distributor Rescue: Wholesalers donate perfectly good products approaching sell-by dates, overstocked inventory, minor packaging damage
- Financial Incentives: Enhanced tax deductions for food donations (up to 25% net income for C-corps, 15% AGI for farms), USDA Farm to Food Bank grants covering harvest/transport costs
Impact: Farm-to-food-bank programs delivered 860 million pounds of produce (2022) to Feeding America network, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to food-insecure families.
What reporting is required for TEFAP-funded food banks?
State TEFAP agencies require regular reporting to monitor compliance, measure impact, and satisfy federal accountability requirements:
- Monthly Distribution Reports: Pounds distributed by commodity type, number of households served, geographic coverage
- Inventory Management: Beginning/ending inventory, receipts from state, distributions to agencies, losses/waste documentation
- Household Eligibility: Documentation proving served households meet income thresholds (self-declarations, verification sampling, income records)
- Administrative Expenditures: Financial reports detailing use of administrative funds, matching non-federal share, allowable cost compliance
- Civil Rights Compliance: Annual nondiscrimination assurances, public notification of rights, complaint procedures, data collection
- Program Monitoring: State agency site visits, corrective action plans for deficiencies, storage/safety inspections
Frequency: Varies by state (typically monthly or quarterly reports). States submit annual reports to USDA aggregating statewide TEFAP activities.
Essential Resources
USDA TEFAP Program
Primary federal funding source for food banks. Access state agency contacts, program guidance, fact sheets, policy updates, and distribution data.
Visit Website →Feeding America Food Bank Locator
Find your local Feeding America member food bank. Access information about TEFAP participation, membership benefits, bulk food ordering, and training opportunities.
Find Food Bank →State TEFAP Contacts
Directory of state TEFAP agencies (typically state departments of agriculture, health, or social services). Contact for participation applications, program requirements, and administrative funding.
Find Your State →Grants.gov Food & Nutrition
Search federal competitive grant opportunities related to food security, hunger relief, nutrition assistance, and emergency food programs. Register for funding alerts.
Search Grants →GrantWatch Food & Nutrition Grants
Comprehensive database of 900+ food and nutrition grant opportunities from federal, state, foundation, and corporate sources. Subscription required for full access.
Browse Grants →National Council of Nonprofits
Resources for nonprofit food banks: startup guidance, governance best practices, financial management, grant writing, compliance requirements, food safety standards.
Visit Website →Available Food Bank Grants
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