Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP)

GusNIP provides grants to programs that offer nutrition incentives, such as matching funds, to increase low-income individuals' access to healthy, locally produced fruits and vegetables. The program supports farmers' markets, farm stands, and other direct-to-consumer food outlets. The program aims to combat food insecurity by increasing low-income households' purchasing power for healthy food. GusNIP awards grants to projects that match federal nutrition assistance benefits (like SNAP) with additional funds to buy fresh produce. By incentivizing healthy food purchases, the program helps improve dietary outcomes and supports local agriculture.

GusNIP, established by the 2014 Farm Bill and expanded in 2018, is named after Dr. Gus Schumacher, a key figure in U.S. agricultural policy. The program is part of broader federal efforts to address food insecurity, improve nutrition, and support local food systems. It funds a variety of Double Dollar programs and other similar initiatives aimed at improving access to healthy foods.

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with oversight and monitoring conducted through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Monitoring includes tracking grant outcomes, participation rates, and the impact on local economies and public health.

GusNIP has funded numerous projects across the U.S., supporting various Double Dollar programs at farmers' markets and other food outlets. Results include increased sales of fresh produce at participating markets, improved access to healthy food for low-income households, and positive health outcomes such as higher fruit and vegetable consumption. Evaluation data suggests significant benefits for both participants and local farmers.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/gus-schumacher-nutrition-incentive-program-nutrition-incentive-0#:~:text=The%20GusNIP%20Nutrition%20Incentive%20Program,nutrition%20status%20of%20participating%20households.