The California Department of Food and Agriculture is accepting proposals for 2027 projects that would help nutrition-benefit shoppers buy California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at certified farmers’ markets. Applications must reach CDFA by 5 p.m. Pacific on Dec. 4, 2026.
CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork announced the competitive solicitation Oct. 30. The California Nutrition Incentive Program expansion targets shoppers using the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
Incentives and electronic-card support
CDFA seeks qualified entities to distribute purchase incentives at certified farmers’ markets. The agency says shoppers should be able to receive the incentive at the time of purchase, tying the assistance directly to their produce purchases.
Projects also would provide outreach, support and technical assistance to shoppers and market vendors using electronic Farmers’ Market Cards. That makes help with benefit transactions part of the solicitation alongside the incentives themselves.
Priority communities and application details
CDFA will prioritize projects reaching low-access areas and low-income populations. Its stated priorities particularly emphasize communities where many residents qualify for nutrition benefits and where rates of diet-related diseases are high.
The focus on both purchasing power and benefit acceptance has a longer policy history. In a 2012 report to the Legislature, CDFA recommended promoting CalFresh acceptance at certified farmers’ markets and making the transition to electronic WIC benefits compatible with different types of vendors. Those were historical recommendations, not guidance for this application round.
Applicants must email proposals to cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov by the deadline. CDFA directs prospective applicants to the 2027 CNIP Expansion request for proposals on its CNIP webpage for application criteria, implementation information and the project timeline.
