DELAWARE — The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy began accepting applications on Monday, May 5, for the fourth round of the First State Food System Program, which supports efforts to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas.
The program, also known as the Delaware Grocery Initiative, offers grants to farmers, small and independent grocery retailers, and other food-related businesses and organizations. The goal is to improve access to healthy food in areas classified as food deserts or at risk of becoming food deserts.
Grants of up to $12,500 are available. This cycle will prioritize projects focused on food aggregation, cold storage and transportation. To qualify as a small- to mid-sized producer, farm operations must report at least $20,000 in annual sales and produce no more than 300 acres of food for human consumption.
Officials said grant funds may be used for various operational or capital expenses. All projects must be completed by Dec. 31, and applications are due by 4 p.m. on May 30.