The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), in partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is now accepting applications for the NEHA–FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model (RFFM) Grant Program, designed to help retail food regulatory programs progress toward achieving FDA’s Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (Retail Program Standards).

Applications will be accepted through February 12, 2025. Funding supports capacity building, workforce development, and targeted program improvements that strengthen food safety at the retail level.

The program is designed to reduce foodborne illness risk in retail food establishments, promote uniformity nationwide, and strengthen the national Integrated Food Safety System by helping state, local, tribal, and territorial retail food regulatory programs move toward full conformance with the Retail Program Standards. It also leverages the expertise and capacity of retail food protection agencies to advance consistent, effective food safety oversight.

To help applicants navigate the process, NEHA will host a live Q&A webinar on Thursday, January 22 from 1:00–2:00 P.M. ET, providing clarity on application requirements, training expectations, and key deadlines. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into how the funding can be used to move retail programs forward. Register here.

The RFFM Grant Program supports activities aligned with the FDA Retail Program Standards, including assessment, training, quality improvement, and data-driven decision-making. Eligible programs are encouraged to review available resources and begin the application process early.

More information about the RFFM Grant Program can be found here.