As mentioned previously on our blog, the HFFI represents the first time the Federal government has coordinated its efforts to improve access to healthy and nutritious foods in low-income neighborhoods. Together, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Treasury, and the Department of Health and Human Services created the Healthy Food Financing Working Group (Working Group) to begin to develop strategies to eliminate food deserts in the U.S. In addition to the CED program, the HFFI includes: The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program and New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program within the Treasury and several USDA programs, including the Business and Industry (B&I) Program and the Intermediary Re-lending Program (IRP). Through coordination across agencies, the HFFI is intended to more effectively support comprehensive community development strategies that promote both the health and economic vitality of neighborhoods.
Eligible applicants for the CED program must meet three conditions: (1) applicant must be private, non-profit CDC with 501(c) (3) or non-501(c)(3) status; (2) applicant must have articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other official documents demonstrating that the CDC has a principal purpose of planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community development activities; and (3) the Board of Directors must have representation from community residents, business leaders, and civic leaders.
Communities are encouraged to listen in on the webinar for prospective applicants on May 27, 2011 at 2PM EST. Applicants may register here. The application is due July 11, 2011.
Resources:
PolicyforResults.org, USDA Unveils New Food Desert Locator
The Department of Health and Human Services, About the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Grants.gov, Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Community Economic Development Program
0 comments:
Post a Comment