FRANKFORD, Del.- Bennett Orchards is set to receive a $53,999 grant through a Delaware program aimed at improving access to healthy, affordable food in communities with limited grocery options.
The sixth-generation family farm, which has grown fruit in Delaware since 1867, is among 28 recipients in the spring 2026 round of the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Grant Program.
The Delaware Division of Small Business initiative is scheduled to present the ceremonial check at Bennett Orchards, 31442 Peachtree Lane, on August 17 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Director CJ Bell and state Sen. Darius Brown are expected to attend.
Bennett Orchards says it plans to use the grant to expand research into protecting crops from spring frost. The farm previously studied the use of a wind machine to protect peaches. It will now install a wind machine in part of its blueberry acreage to determine whether the technology can reduce frost damage and improve yields.
According to the Delaware Division of Small Business, the grant program supports efforts to increase access to nutritious and affordable food in communities identified as food deserts or at risk of becoming food deserts.
Funding was open to Delaware farmers, independent and community grocery stores, including businesses offering culturally diverse foods, as well as food banks, food pantries and other organizations and businesses involved in the food supply chain.
The 28 recipients in the spring funding round received a combined $712,500. Individual awards ranged from $12,000 to $65,000.
