ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting grant applications for projects designed to improve access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, for underserved communities in low- and moderate-income areas. Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. March 14.

The funding is available through the Good Food Access Program. These grants will assist organizations providing needs-based technical assistance to new or existing for-profits, non-profits, public agencies, and cooperative self-service retail food establishments.

The MDA will award up to $135,000 in this round of GFAP Technical Assistance Grants. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $75,000 and must contribute 25 percent of project costs.

For more information, including a list of eligibility requirements, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/
gfaptechassistance.

An additional $135,000 will be available in the spring of 2018 for grocers and small food retailers for the purchase of equipment or to make physical improvements to increase the sales of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. Visit the website above for more.