Cold Chain Grants are back in the spotlight after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $7.5 million in new funding on Aug. 17, 2026. The money will help food assistance groups store, package and deliver fresh, frozen and minimally processed foods. For farmers and ranchers, this signals stronger demand for homegrown proteins and produce.
The funding flows through the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as CCG. USDA designed the program to support cold chain equipment investments. As a result, food banks and similar entities can keep perishable foods safe from farm to family table.
What the Cold Chain Grants Cover
The program targets the middle of the supply chain, where cold storage often falls short. Funded non-profit organizations will run a competitive subaward program. Additionally, they will provide consultation and expertise to sub-awardees supporting cold storage in consumer-facing food operations.
Grant recipients will issue subawards to fund equipment purchases. Each subaward can equal the cost of the equipment plus documented delivery, installation and necessary supplies, up to $200,000. However, sub-awardees must provide a 10% cash cost share contribution. Because of this structure, the money stretches further and encourages local investment.
Why the Funding Matters for Farmers and Ranchers
For growers, this announcement means more of their products can reach families in need. Meat, eggs, dairy and produce all require reliable cold storage. Therefore, better infrastructure keeps quality high and waste low.
“The Trump Administration continues to prioritize providing Real Food for Americans. Over the past year and a half, we have worked hard to incentivize healthier options for Americans and today’s announcement is another step in the right direction,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “With this funding opportunity we will see more cold storage and infrastructure to store homegrown proteins for all Americans to enjoy as we continue to Make America Healthy Again.”
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. echoed that message. “Every American deserves access to real, nutritious food,” he said. “This funding will give food banks the infrastructure to deliver more meat, eggs, dairy, produce, and other whole foods from American farmers and ranchers to families in need. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are rebuilding a food system that nourishes American families and strengthens American agriculture.”
How the Cold Chain Grants Support Real Food Goals
USDA links the effort to broader health goals. Projects funded through CCG will bring more Real Foods from America’s farmers and ranchers to communities that need them. Furthermore, the program aligns with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The approach fills a practical gap. Fresh food spoils fast without proper refrigeration. Consequently, many food banks struggle to accept and distribute perishable donations. Reliable cold storage changes that equation and opens the door to healthier options.
Applying for the Cold Chain Grants Program
Interested organizations should act soon. Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 1, 2026. Meanwhile, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
USDA’s AMS Late Applications, Denials and/or Appeals Procedures Policy outlines the rules for missed deadlines. For eligibility details, applicants can review the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance program website or contact the CCG team at AMS.CCG@usda.gov.
What This Means Going Forward
The Cold Chain Grants program represents a meaningful investment in both nutrition and agriculture. USDA is committing $7.5 million to strengthen cold storage where the supply chain often breaks down. As a result, more fresh, frozen and minimally processed foods can reach families facing hunger.
For farmers and ranchers, the payoff could grow over time. Stronger cold chains mean steadier outlets for homegrown proteins and produce. Additionally, food banks gain the tools to accept and deliver higher-quality donations.
Growers, agribusinesses and non-profits should watch the October deadline closely. The Cold Chain Grants funding rewards those who prepare early and apply on time. Ultimately, this program aims to nourish American families while supporting the farmers and ranchers who feed them.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Communications.
To learn more about the program, eligibility and how to apply, visit the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance program website at www.ams.usda.gov or contact the CCG team at AMS.CCG@usda.gov.