301-27-064 Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program - Notice of Sub-Grant Opportunity

The Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program (VAFAP), administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), provides reimbursable grant funding to charitable food assistance organizations. The program aims to combat food insecurity by distributing Virginia-grown agricultural products to people in need while supporting local farmers by compensating them at fair market value. The grant period spans up to 1.5 years, with an anticipated performance window from March 1, 2027, through August 31, 2028. Applications must be submitted via the WebGrants online portal no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 4, 2027. Eligible applicants must be legally authorized to conduct business in Virginia, have been in operation for at least three years, and possess the financial capacity to front project expenses since funds are provided on a reimbursement-only basis. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate the ability to source products from local producers, maintain secure and sanitary cold and dry storage, and implement an accurate food inventory and tracking system. Budgetary guidelines require that at least 90 percent of the budget be allocated to direct project costs, with administrative costs capped at 10 percent. Prohibited expenses include equipment costing $5,000 or more, infrastructure renovations, transportation and storage rentals, tuition, and entertainment. Awards are determined through a competitive review process based on the quality of the project plan, the strength of partnerships with local farmers, the scale of community impact, and the soundness of measurable outcomes. Upon award, successful applicants will receive a Memorandum of Understanding containing the binding terms and conditions. Reimbursements are processed within 30 days following the submission of an invoice, reimbursement form, and detailed expenditure documentation through the WebGrants portal.