NourishMD Grant Program

NourishMD Grant Program Main_Content ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The NourishMD Grant Program is a targeted investment designed to expand access to healthy and fresh foods in Maryland communities experiencing food insecurity by providing direct grants to eligible retailers. Available Funding Grant Size: $25,000 – $150,000 Total Funding Available: Up to $2 million Eligible Applicants For-profit or nonprofit food retailers that: Serve a community with a Maryland Community Business Compass (MCBC)​ Fresh Food Gap Score of 60% or higher Watch: How to Find Your Community's Fresh Food Gap Score​ Operate at least 5 days per week, year round (farmer'​s markets/on-farm markets exempt from 5-day requirement but must operate year round) Currently or plan to offer minimally processed healthy foods Dedicate at least 20% of inventory or food-sales space to healthy food items Tip: Visit the Maryland Community Business Compass (MCBC)​ to learn more, use data insights to identify new opportunities, and connect with expert resources to help your business thrive. Eligible retailers include, but are not limited to:: Grocery stores Corner stores Co-ops Farm stands Farmers' markets Delivery retailers Small food-focused stores Eligible Use of Funds Funds can be used to directly support improved healthy food access, including: Equipment purchases (refrigeration, shelving, etc.) Buildout and facility upgrades Capital costs for inventory expansion Initial inventory costs Working capital tied to expansion/construction Infrastructure and technology for SNAP/EBT Program Timeline January 20, 2026: Application portal opens at 12:00 EST February 20, 2026: Application portal closes at 5:00 EST February–March 2026: Application review period April 2026: Funding recommendations finalized May 2026: Award notifications June 2026: Board of Public Works (BPW) approval and disbursements Application Application Status: Closed Application Opened: January 20, 2026 Application Closed: February 20, 2026 The application period is closed. We are reviewing all submitted applications. Read the NourishMD Progr​am Guide​ for full details on requirements and documentation. Program Fees No application fee $250 processing fee (deducted from the award amount) Other Funding Sources Partnership with Maryland Market Money (MMM) Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made using federal nutrition benefits at participating Maryland farmers markets, farm stands, and other on-farm retailers while providing technical additional services to stakeholders. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply to both programs and will receive priority for awards. Maryland Department of Agriculture and NourishMD have partnered to co-award funds to farmers markets and on-farm stands that offer fresh food in areas with low access. Maryland Department of Health's Healthy Corner Store Program provides grants to establish relationships between local health departments and small scale retail stores in Maryland recognized rural districts, recognize those establishments that are stocking healthy products, and recommend areas for improvement for retailers to meet the criteria of a Healthy Maryland Corner Store. The Neighborhood BusinessWorks Program offered by DHCD can further provide loans of up to $5 million. Contact Information For more information: Schedule an initial consultation Email us at ​ [email protected] ​​ Center_Content

The NourishMD Grant Program is a targeted investment designed to expand access to healthy and fresh foods in Maryland communities experiencing food insecurity by providing direct grants to eligible retailers. Available Funding