California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) Expansion – WIC, WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (CA) Grant

The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) Expansion aims to enhance access to fresh fruits and vegetables for WIC, WIC FMNP, and SFMNP shoppers. By providing incentives at authorized farmers markets, the program prioritizes low-income communities facing diet-related diseases. Eligible entities can apply for funding of up to $750,000 to support these initiatives, ensuring nutrition benefits reach those who need them most while promoting healthy eating habits.

NOTE: This year, applicants may only apply for one WIC, WIC FMNP and/or SFMNP season to allow for learning and changes due to the e-transition this year.
California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) Expansion – WIC, WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (CA)
CDFA is seeking project proposals from qualified entities to support nutrition incentive shoppers and/or to distribute nutrition incentives to shoppers using:
WIC fruit and vegetable benefits,WIC FMNP, and/orSFMNP benefits to purchase California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized Certified Farmers’ Markets.
Qualified shoppers should be able to receive the incentive at the time of purchase. Projects that reach low-access areas and low-income populations, particularly communities where a large proportion of the population is eligible for nutrition benefits (such as CalFresh, WIC, SFMNP) and experiences high rates of diet-related diseases, will be prioritized.
Tracks
Eligible entities can choose to apply to two separate tracks:
Track 1: Incentives and Support Continue to match and distribute CNIP incentives to WIC, WIC FMNP and/or SFMNP shoppers at authorized farmers markets, as well as supporting activities (such as outreach and marketing, assistance to farmers using the new SFMNP and WIC FMNP electronic software, etc.)Track 2: Support and Technical Assistance ONLY (no incentives) Provide support and technical assistance to CA-grown fruits and vegetables vendors selling at farmers market and Senior and WIC shoppers using their electronic benefits.
Funding
CDFA anticipates up to $750,000 will be available for awards.