Available Funding

A. The Healthy Food Retail Program may provide funding on a one-time basis for projects such as: 1. new construction of supermarkets and grocery stores; 2. store renovations, expansion, and infrastructure upgrades that improve the availability and quality of fresh produce; 3. farmers’ markets and public markets, food cooperatives, mobile markets and delivery projects, and distribution projects that enable food retailers in underserved communities to regularly obtain fresh produce; or 4. other projects that create or improve healthy food retail outlets as determined by LAFA. B. Funding made available for projects included in Paragraph A of this Section may be used for the following purposes: 1. site acquisition and preparation; 2. construction costs; 3. equipment and furnishings; 4. workforce training; 5. security; 6. certain pre-development costs, such as market studies and appraisals; and 7. working capital for first-time inventory and start-up costs. C. Applicants shall not use HFRP funding for the following: 1. the sole purpose of refinancing existing debt; 2. payment of any tax arrearages, government fines, or penalties; 3. political or religious activities; 4. buying out any stockholder or equity holder in the borrower’s business; 5. buying out or reimbursing any family member; 6. purchasing instruments or investments for the sole purpose of a return on investment; or 7. any other activity that LAFA sees fit. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:296. HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture and Finance Authority, LR 48:295 (February 2022).