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Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) Program

About Apply

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Before you submit your application

  • 1

    Applicants must be grocery store operators or developers seeking to construct or renovate retail space that will be leased by a full service grocery store operator.

    • 2

      Businesses that benefit from the program must be located in a FRESH eligible area. The map of FRESH eligible areas is available on the FRESH homepage at the link above.

      • 3

        Projects receiving financial incentives must request assistance from NYCIDA prior to entering into any property lease, acquisition or renovation contracts.

        • 4

          Applicants must provide a minimum of 6,000 square feet of retail space for a general line of food and nonfood grocery products intended for home preparation, consumption, and utilization.

          • 5

            Applicants must provide at least 50 percent of retail space for a general line of food products intended for home preparation, consumption, and utilization;

            • 6

              Applicants must provide at least 30 percent of retail space for perishable goods that may include dairy, fresh produce, fresh meats, poultry, fish, and frozen foods.

              • 7

                Applicants must provide at least 500 square feet of retail space for fresh produce.

                  • Ready to Apply?

                  Apply in Person

                  Steps to apply in person:

                • 1

                  For Financial Incentives- Applicants seeking FRESH financial incentives must contact the NYCIDA to request assistance. Projects will be evaluated by NYCIDA staff individually to determine eligibility. All benefits are, by statute, subject to the approval of the NYCIDA's Board of Directors. Companies must request NYCIDA assistance prior to entering into any property lease, acquisition or renovation contracts, unless such contracts are contingent upon NYCIDA assistance.

                  • 2

                    Zoning Incentives (Steps 2-5)- Buildings receiving any zoning incentives must be certified as a FRESH food store by the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission. Visit the Department of City Planning homepage at the link above to learn more.

                    • 3

                      Buildings receiving any zoning incentives must demonstrate a commitment, through lease or Memorandum of Understanding, to continually tenant a FRESH store in the building that meets the floor area requirements.

                      • 4

                        Buildings receiving any zoning incentives must record a declaration of restriction on the deed to the property specifying this commitment to retain a FRESH food store.

                        • 5

                          Buildings receiving additional floor area through FRESH zoning incentives must have the grocery store Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) issued by the Department of Buildings before a TCO can be issued for the increased residential floor area in the building.