Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Utah

About DHHS

Mission

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will support and serve all individuals and communities throughout Utah. It will do so through effective policy and the operations of an effective and efficient seamless system of services and programs that is centered around the individuals and communities the department serves.

PATH 1.1 Rural Food Infrastructure

The Utah Food Security Grant Program strengthens Utah's food supply chain through strategic investments in agricultural production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, and local food promotion. By supporting grant projects across the food system, from farm to consumer, the program helps expand opportunities for Utah producers, strengthen rural communities, and increase the availability of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food. 

FY27 funding is provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Eligible Projects and Expenses

This grant supports projects that increase the production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, or safe delivery of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food to Utah consumers, with an emphasis in rural Utah. Eligible projects may address needs across the food supply chain. All proposed expenses must directly support an immediate increase in the availability of minimally processed eligible Utah-grown or Utah-raised food in rural Utah. Honey and added-sugar products are not allowable. For detailed eligibility requirements and a full list of allowable and unallowable foods and expenses, please review the Request for Applications (RFA), opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of eligible projects:

Production

Equipment and infrastructure that increase agricultural production or extend the growing season, including:

• tractors, harvesters, tillers, and other farm implements
• high tunnels, greenhouses, and indoor growing systems
• irrigation improvements
• frost protection equipment and supplies

Processing

Equipment that adds value to agricultural products or increases processing capacity, including:

• washing, peeling, slicing, chopping, shucking, pasteurizing, or other processing equipment
• bottling, bagging, labeling, packaging, and packing equipment
• slaughter and meat processing equipment

Distribution

Equipment and technology that improve the movement of food from producers to markets, including:

• refrigerated trucks, vans, or trailers or renovating existing distribution equipment for cold storage
• cold-storage upgrades for existing delivery vehicles
• inventory management and logistics software
• dock levelers and weather seals
• forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment
• logistics software to map the most efficient distribution routes, minimizing fuel costs and reducing the time highly perishable food spends in transit
• inventory tracking systems to track the location and distribution status of pallets or bins as they move from storage to the wholesale or retail destination. If you don’t have this system, you are encouraged to apply for it to report on your outcomes. 

Dry and cold storage

Equipment and non-construction facility improvements that preserve product quality and extend shelf life, including:

• Walk-in coolers, freezers, CoolBots, and cold storage systems
• Humidity, ventilation, and HVAC improvements
• Backup generators for cold storage
• Insulated storage bins and containers

Market access

Equipment, technology, and other investments that help producers reach new customers, access new markets, or expand sales capacity, including:

• e-commerce and online sales platforms
• point-of-sale systems
• inventory management, customer ordering, and sales software
• equipment or technology required to meet buyer requirements or enter new markets
• other equipment or technology that increases market access or sales capacity
• certification and Training - Certifications and training that help businesses meet industry standards, comply with buyer or regulatory requirements, or access new markets, including:
• good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• safe Quality Food (SQF)
• other certifications or training that support food safety, regulatory compliance, market access, or business growth
• cooperative marketing initiatives that promote Utah-grown or Utah-raised products and benefit multiple producers or food businesses 

Food Safety

• Equipment and systems that improve food safety and regulatory compliance, including:
• commercial washing and sanitation equipment
• steam-cleaning and sanitation systems
• temperature and humidity monitoring equipment
• other food safety improvements that support safe handling and storage

Minor construction, defined as building modifications or retrofitting that does not expand the existing building footprint, and upgrades to existing equipment may be funded but are subject to additional restrictions and limited available funding. Applicants should only include these costs when they are necessary to support an eligible equipment purchase or project. New and used equipment purchases are not subject to these restrictions.

Focused on food access and hunger, Sundt Foundation invites Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits to request US $2,500 - US $25,000 for specific programs. Eligible organizations address hunger, nutrition, or basic needs, have operated at least one year, meet budget and admin cost thresholds, and maintain a physical presence in Sundt’s local giving area.

Utah food access and hunger nonprofits and local government programs can access funding for emergency food services and infrastructure in Utah. Utah Department of Workforce Services supports emergency food pantries, food banks, and prepared meal sites with US $150,000 for operations, transportation, supplies (excluding food), equipment capacity building, technical assistance, staffing, and warehousing and distributing food to low-income residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah addressing homelessness, food access, and poverty can seek one-year humanitarian project support to serve Utah residents and promote self-reliance. Focused on vulnerable populations and service gaps, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prioritizes catalytic projects, wraparound services, and outcome tracking, which may benefit food pantries expanding case management and support services.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting food access, families, or youth development can access funding through Franz Bakery Foundation to strengthen community wellbeing and reduce hunger. Eligible organizations must be located in Franz’s service area states, and typical awards are approximately US $3,000, with the option to reapply each year.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units can apply for Eccles Foundation grants up to Up to US $2,000,000 to support arts, community services, education, health, and preservation projects. Organizations addressing food access and hunger within broader community or humanitarian programs in Utah may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s focus areas and capacity expectations.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Veterans Food Assistance Program

It is our goal to ensure that no veteran goes hungry by providing essential food assistance and household support, fostering stability and well-being in the lives of our veterans and their families.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) is designed to provide a one-time grant of essential food and household support to veterans and their families, ensuring no veteran goes hungry. With the rising cost of living, especially food prices due to inflation, this program offers a much-needed lifeline to those who have served our country. Once approved, the DVNF program team will handle the shopping for you.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program provides a one-time grant per household to support different family sizes, given the rising cost of food:

• Married Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Married - No Children up to $250
  • Married - 1 Child up to $300
  • Married - 2 Children up to $450
  • Married - 3+ Children up to $500
• Single Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Single - No Children up to $200
  • Single - 1 Child up to $300
  • Single - 2 Children up to $350
  • Single - 3+ Children up to $450

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The UCCU Donation & Sponsorship Program supports local causes that enhance the quality of life for residents in various Utah counties. Charitable organizations must be registered and preferably 501(c)(3) or nonprofit. UCCU prioritizes requests related to hunger, health, and homelessness while generally excluding sponsorships for political, private, or international entities. This commitment reflects their mission of fostering community well-being and financial stability.

Utah food access and hunger nonprofits can access funding through Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Incubation Fund for new, scalable ideas that permanently break the cycle of hunger. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities with Albertsons stores may receive up to US $300,000 for innovative, collaborative, and sustainable hunger relief projects, including multi-year efforts.

Nonprofit and for-profit organizations addressing food access, healthcare access, or economic vitality in the U.S., including Utah, can seek up to US $500,000 to scale evidence-based, community-rooted solutions. American Heart Association’s Social Impact Fund supports efforts that improve nutrition, reduce health disparities, and strengthen economic well-being in under-resourced communities.

Utah school districts and community-based organizations running federal child nutrition programs can access funding for equipment and other needs that help feed kids. Utah food access and hunger nonprofits can apply through Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Grant, which prioritizes expanding School Breakfast Program participation and non-congregate summer meals, with limited support for other federal nutrition programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and other charitable organizations running food access and nutrition programs in Utah may be eligible for this Journey for Good Foundation funding, which serves North America. The grant supports initiatives that combat hunger, promote nutritional wellness, and can also back related education, workforce development, and veteran-focused services.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access, hunger, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Whole Foods Market’s Store Giving Program. Grants provide biannual financial support for community-based programs near Whole Foods stores, with priority for organizations that have not already received a sponsorship or donation that calendar year.

Reinvestment Fund provides Utah food access and hunger organizations with funding to expand healthy food retail and strengthen food delivery and distribution services. Eligible applicants include for-profit, nonprofit, and cooperatively owned businesses, higher education institutions, and state, local, and tribal governments. Awards range from US $20,000 - US $250,000 for planning, implementation, and technical assistance projects.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, or Wisconsin can apply for UNICO Foundation’s Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund to purchase food or provide shelter. Utah nonprofits working on food access may look to similar programs for direct-service funding models.

Grants from Newmans Own Foundation help Utah food access and hunger organizations advance food justice for children through Indigenous food justice or nutrition education and school food programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, tribes, public schools, and certain government entities across the U.S. and territories, with awards up to US $100,000 over two years.

Nonprofit organizations working on food access, hunger relief, and health equity initiatives in Utah and across North America can apply for McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000. McKesson Foundation provides support for programs addressing medicine and food access, disaster response, cancer prevention, and preparing a diverse healthcare workforce, with funding decisions based on alignment and impact.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million working on food access, hunger, and related social services can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Social Service Grant; awards More than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. Utah organizations focused on food banks, food delivery, and poverty alleviation may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations providing food access, hunger relief, or nutrition education in Utah may be eligible for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, offering up to US $10,000 per program. U.S. and Canadian food pantries, food banks, meal assistance programs, and food rescue initiatives can apply for support within the foundation’s three strategic areas.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits and similar charities working on food access, health, education, or community programs can seek support for services like food pantries, meal programs, and healthcare for underserved populations. Utah food access and hunger organizations can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation, which also backs STEM education and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on food access and hunger, education, or animal welfare in Utah counties where Seaboard operates can apply for Seaboard Foundation’s funding; awards support community-focused programs. Eligible U.S.-registered charities in Salt Lake County and other listed areas may benefit if their work aligns with the foundation’s mission to improve food security.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities, certain public institutions, and exempt operating foundations, including those in Utah within the AEP service territory, can seek funding for food access, hunger relief, and basic human needs programs. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation also support STEM education, equitable housing, and social justice initiatives benefiting AEP communities.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The purpose of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to support food supply chain resiliency, to create and preserve quality jobs, and torevitalize low-income communities by providing financial and technical assistance, either directly orthrough other partners and intermediaries, to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers and enterprises toovercome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. HFFI offers fundingopportunities and technical assistance to eligible applicants.

Better Food Policy Fund 

Since its inception, the Better Food Policy Fund has set its strategic direction in a participatory fashion. We are intentionally building capacity for engagement to ensure the Fund aligns with the needs of food policy council stakeholders.   

Thus far, the Fund has engaged 300+ food policy council stakeholders to help co-develop the Fund. We are immensely grateful for the individuals who helped shape the initial direction of this fund. We view this growing stakeholder audience as the people to whom the Fund’s governing body, the Independent Advisory Committee, is ultimately accountable.

Grantmaking

The Better Food Policy Fund invests in US-based food policy councils, empowering community and government collaboration for progressive food policy. We utilize participatory processes to enhance equity and redistribute power in the funding landscape. We seek to celebrate and uplift the work of food policy councils, and believe every food policy council is worthy of financial support.

We define “food policy councils” as councils, networks, coalitions, or other groups working across boundaries at the tribal, municipal, county, state, or regional level.  

We support actions aimed at ensuring an enabling environment for policy change, such as: 

• increasing levels of inclusive and equitable stakeholder engagement in public processes
• engaging systems thinking when tackling complex food system challenges
• facilitating collaboration with and across local government agencies and departments 
• developing or revising local policies and plans  

We define “better food policy” as practices, procedures, ordinances, laws, etc. of governing institutions which strengthen community-based food systems.

We define “civic collaboration” as people joining together at the intersection of community and government to address public issues.

The Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance, funded by the Agricultural Marketing Service, aim to support eligible organizations in enhancing cold storage capabilities within the food supply chain. This initiative focuses on providing essential nutrition assistance to low-income individuals through subawards to food banks and nonprofit organizations. By investing in cold storage equipment, the program seeks to improve the management and distribution of food resources, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support.