The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $7.5 million in grant funding through the new Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program (CCG). Designed to expand regional cold storage capacity, the initiative equips local food assistance networks with essential infrastructure – such as walk-in freezers, cold storage units, and refrigerated delivery equipment – to store and distribute fresh and frozen agricultural products.
For California’s aquaculture producers, this program offers a timely opportunity to expand community supply channels for farm-raised finfish and shellfish. By strengthening cold chain preservation at local food hubs, regional emergency food providers will be far better equipped to accept, store, and distribute highly nutritious, locally farmed seafood.
- Grant Details: Sub-grants of up to $200,000 are awarded to non-profit food assistance entities to purchase, deliver, and install cold chain equipment.
- Application Deadline: October 1
- Member Action: While individual producers do not apply directly, CAA members are encouraged to connect with local food banks and hunger-relief organizations to discuss potential supply partnerships and inform them of this cold storage funding opportunity.
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