First State Food System grant applications due May 30

The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy announced grant applications are being accepted through 4 p.m., Friday, May 30, for Cycle 4 of the First State Food System Program.

Through the program, funding is available to Delaware farmers and small, independent grocery retailers offering culturally diverse foods, and a range of other food supply chain businesses and organizations.

Also referred to as the Delaware Grocery Initiative, the program aims to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts in Delaware and areas at risk of becoming food deserts, by providing grants and other forms of financial assistance to eligible food resources. Awarded funds will support expanding supply chain capacity, collaboration between community partners and entities doing their part to build resilience in Delaware’s food system.

For Cycle 4, DSB and the council will prioritize projects that address food aggregation, cold storage or food transportation activities. Grants of up to $12,500 will be awarded. As in prior years, 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 Wednesday, Dec. 31. Funds may be used to cover various operational or capital expenses.To learn more, email business@delaware.gov or DDA_farmandfoodpolicy@delaware.gov, or go to de.gov/foodgrant.