Utah Food Security Grant (UFSG)

The Utah Food Security Grant (UFSG) 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.

Funding is provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Year 1 makes $9.4 million available across three grant tracks: Equipment and Infrastructure ($6,580,000), Market Development and Food Access ($1,880,000), and Education and Technical Assistance ($940,000). Awards are provisionally announced by the end of October 2026. Depending upon continuation of funding, this grant will be extended yearly through 2031.

Year 1 applications were open July 21 – August 31, 2026, using the three grant tracks above, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000. The Year 2 application cycle is expected to open January–February 2027.

• Open to individual producers, cooperatives, for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, local governments, schools, and other organizations aligned with the purpose of the grant.

• Headquartered in Utah with project activities occurring in Utah.

• Produce food or beverages for human consumption using at least 51% Utah-grown agricultural products.

• Produce products intended for commercial sale or distribution beyond personal or household use.

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, licensing, and permitting requirements.

• Sell or distribute, or demonstrate that the proposed project will result in the sale or distribution of at least 25% of project-related products to rural Utah (counties other than Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, or Weber).

• Be in good standing with any loans provided by the department; applicants with loans in default will be considered ineligible and applicants with delinquent loans may be ineligible.

Reimbursement grant in three size classes, no match required in the 2026 cycle.

"UDAF anticipates awarding up to $9,265,098.80 using a competitive review process for microgrants, startup awards, and standard awards of up to $1,000,000 during the 2026 application cycle." Per-award ranges, from the 2026 RFA: "Microgrant Awards ($1,000–$10,000), Startup Awards ($10,000–$50,000) for businesses established within the past 12 months, and Standard Awards ($10,000–$1,000,000) for established businesses. At least $2,000,000 will be dedicated to production projects." Pool by class: $200,000 microgrants, $200,000 startup, $8,865,098.80 standard.

No cost-share or match requirement appears anywhere in the 2026 RFA (earlier cycles required 25%).

Cash-flow warning — this one bites: "This is a reimbursement-based grant. Grant recipients must first sign a contract with UDAF, purchase and pay for approved project expenses, and then submit a reimbursement request with the required documentation." You must pay in full before claiming: "Proof of financing or a loan is not considered proof of payment... partial down payments are not eligible for reimbursement until the full purchase price has been paid." Reimbursement "will be based on eligible, reasonable project costs, and will not exceed the amount awarded in the grant contract," and "UDAF reserves the right to offer award amounts less than the amount requested in the application."

Funds must be spent by September 30, 2027. 2026 cycle ran July 21 – August 31, 2026; a free SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier is required to apply.

Apply here

Utah Food Security Request for Applications

Utah Food Security Grant Fact Sheet

Utah Food Security Grant Ranking Criteria

Food Security Grant Recipient Map

Video: Learn About The Utah Food Security Grant