California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP)

The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) encourages the purchase and consumption of healthy, California-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by nutrition benefit clients. Housed within the Office of Farm to Fork, the program provides monetary incentives for the purchase of California grown fruits and vegetables at Certified Farmers Markets and small businesses. CNIP provides competitive grant funding to organizations to provide incentives to nutrition benefit shoppers, and to support program operations and outreach.

CNIP funds are awarded to Certified Farmers' Markets, non-profit organizations, and small businesses through a competitive grant process. CNIP operates at selected Certified Farmers Markets, mobile markets, community supported agriculture programs, and retailers.

CNIP supports shoppers using nutrition benefits (CalFresh, WIC, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program). For every benefit dollar they spend, shoppers receive an additional dollar (usually up to $10) that can be spent on fresh California-grown fruits and vegetables at participating outlets, increasing demand for California farmers' products. The program is funded through a public-private structure including the federal Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), state general funds, and local partner support. The 2026 CNIP Expansion round awarded grants to eleven organizations ranging from approximately $23,478 to $394,271.

Program Status: The 2026 CNIP Expansion Request for Proposals application period is closed. The 2025 CNIP Request for Proposals (CalFresh) is closed; award recipients announced on the CNIP website. There is no open solicitation at this time.