# PATH 1.1: Rural Food Infrastructure (Utah Food Security Grant Program)

Part of Utah's RHTP PATH initiative (1.1), publicly branded the "Utah Food Security Grant Program." Strengthens Utah's rural food supply chain — agricultural production, processing, storage, cold storage, distribution, and food safety/market access ("farm to consumer"). Up to $9,265,098.80 total available via microgrants, startup awards, and standard awards up to $1,000,000 each. Eligible applicants must be Utah-headquartered with in-state project activity, produce food/beverages using at least 51% Utah-grown agricultural products for commercial sale, hold a UEI, and sell/distribute at least 25% of project output to rural Utah counties (outside Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, and Weber counties). Issued by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food as part of the RHTP PATH initiative under Utah DHHS. Application window: July 21 – August 31, 2026. Estimated project start: October/November 2026.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: GRANT
- Issued by: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) (Utah)
- Posted: 2026-07-21
- Application due: 2026-09-01
- Eligible applicants: Individual Producer, Producer Cooperative, For-Profit Business, Nonprofit Organization, Local Government, School
- How to apply: Online portal (Submittable): https://utahdapgrants.submittable.com/submit
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://ag.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-2026-RHTP-RFA.pdf

## Eligibility

Applicants must be Utah-headquartered organizations (or tribes with land in Utah) undertaking projects located in Utah. Eligible entities include individual producers, producer cooperatives, for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and schools. All applicants must produce food/beverages using at least 51% Utah-grown agricultural products (by weight) intended for commercial sale, have a UEI, and distribute at least 25% of project output to rural Utah counties (outside Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, and Weber counties). Applicants must be registered with UDAF or the relevant regulatory body, in good standing on any loans from UDAF, and meet other specific requirements related to regulated products (e.g., meat plants must meet certain inspection/licensing criteria). Projects must increase the production, processing, storage, distribution, or market access of eligible agricultural products intended for human consumption in rural areas of the state. Full eligibility details are provided in the RFA.

## Requirements

1. Project must focus on eligible expenses (e.g., equipment, infrastructure, technology, certifications, minor construction, operational improvements) that make an immediate increase to the production, processing, storage, distribution, safety, or market access of Utah-grown or Utah-raised food. 2. Funded activities must benefit Utah producers and rural communities, and food handled must meet stated processing and additive requirements. 3. Applicants must use Submittable to complete the eligibility screen and application form, including all required narrative, itemized budget/cost allocations, and supporting documentation. 4. This is a reimbursement-based grant; applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover costs upfront. 5. Projects must be completed within the allowed period of performance and adhere to all reporting/tracking requirements (e.g., documenting rural distribution, food categories, sales impact). Ineligible expenses and products include moderately/highly processed foods, alcohol, animal feed, honey, maple syrup, fiber, wool, cut flowers, supplements, tobacco, hemp, kratom, medical cannabis, and other psychoactive/specialized products.

## Required attachments

- Itemized budget and cost justification
- Proof of Utah headquarters or relevant tribal lands
- UEI verification
- For regulated facilities: applicable licenses/inspections as required (e.g., meat processing plants)

## Application package and source documents

- [UT - 2026 - 2026 Utah Food Security Grant Program Request for Applications (Request for Applications (RFA))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/888dfc91-5572-4bae-aeaf-8aa86cb56106/file) (primary) — official: https://ag.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-2026-RHTP-RFA.pdf

More Utah RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ut (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ut.md)

---
Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/path-1-1-rural-food-infrastructure-utah-food-security-grant-program--df5fa9671d — data as of 2026-09-02.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.