Farmers invited to apply for next round of state food grant progrram

The  goal is to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts in Delaware and areas at risk of becoming food deserts, by provided grants and other forms of financial assistance to eligible food resources.  

For Cycle 4, DSB and the Council will put an emphasis on  projects that address food aggregation, cold storage, or food transportation activities.

Grants of up to $12,500 will be awarded. Farmers are encouraged to apply. To be considered for funding as a small to mid-sized producer, the farm operation must have an annual sales value of at least $20,000.

The farm must actively produce no more than 300 acres of fruits, vegetables, other specialty crops, or other products for human consumption. 

 Applicants must request funding for a project that can be completed no later than December 31, 2025. Funds may be used to cover various operational or capital expenses. All grant applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025.

Furthre information on the program as well as access the application are available at  to https://de.gov/foodgrant.  

Since 2022, the Council has awarded just over $1.9 million, funding 39 projects across Delaware.

Administering this grant program has provided financial resources directly to businesses and non-profit organizations serving rural and urban communities throughout the state.

This has also been an opportunity to better understand Delaware’s food system and pinpoint what works and what may be missing, a release stated.