Maryland Launches $2 Million Grant Program to Tackle Food Deserts

The State of Maryland has introduced a new initiative, the NourishMD Grant Program, aimed at increasing access to fresh, healthy food in communities across the state that have been identified as food deserts. Announced by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), this program will offer financial assistance to food retailers to establish, maintain, or expand their operations in areas with limited or no access to nutritious food options. The goal is to address long-standing inequities that have resulted in residents’ access to healthy food being determined by their location.

The NourishMD Grant Program, administered by DHCD’s Division of Business Development, will provide grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. These funds are intended for capital-related expenses, including facility upgrades, infrastructure improvements, technology investments, and the purchase of necessary equipment. To qualify for funding, businesses must be situated in areas with a Fresh Food Gap Score of 60 or higher, as determined by the Maryland Community Business Compass, an initiative of Governor Wes Moore’s Innovation Team. Funding awards will be determined on a competitive basis, with priority given to applicants located in areas designated by the ENOUGH ACT or identified as Just Communities. Prospective applicants can find comprehensive details on eligibility criteria, program priorities, and application procedures on the DHCD website.

A key focus of the NourishMD program is to support businesses that accept, or plan to accept, federal nutrition benefits. To this end, the DHCD has established a co-awarding partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland Market Money Program (MMM). The MMM program offers a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made with federal nutrition benefits at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. It also provides valuable technical assistance, training, and marketing support. Businesses that are eligible for both programs and apply to each will receive prioritized consideration for awards. This collaboration aims to strengthen market viability for small food businesses and farmers, ultimately expanding equitable access to healthy food for Maryland residents.

Applications for the NourishMD Grant Program opened on January 20, 2026, and will close on February 20, 2026. The Division of Business Development, which oversees this program, is dedicated to fostering the growth of Maryland’s business community. This division also manages the department’s Neighborhood Business Works loan program and the distribution of State Small Business Credit Initiative funds throughout the state. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the Neighborhood Business Works program facilitated over 108 deals, providing more than $21 million in business development and assistance. Residents and business owners interested in learning more about the NourishMD Grant Program and its application process are encouraged to visit the DHCD’s official website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

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