Governor Moore Announces Nearly $4 Million in NourishMD Grants to Expand Fresh Food Access Across Maryland

Annapolis, MD – A significant investment of nearly $4 million has been allocated to 44 organizations across Maryland through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s NourishMD Grant Program. The initiative aims to bolster access to fresh, healthy food options in areas designated as food deserts, where residents face limited availability of nutritious food. This funding will support the development, stabilization, and expansion of retail food outlets within these underserved communities.

The NourishMD program is a collaborative effort involving the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Division of Business Development, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and the Maryland Department of Health. Initial program support includes 2 million in state funds, augmented by an additional 1.65 million in federal funding from the Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program, which specifically targets rural areas.

The grants, ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, are intended for capital-related expenses such as facility upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and the purchase of technology and equipment, including vital cold storage solutions. To qualify for this funding, businesses must be situated in areas identified with a Fresh Food Gap Score of 60 or higher, as determined by the Maryland Community Business Compass, an initiative led by the State’s Chief Innovation Officer. This program is particularly focused on supporting businesses that accept or are working to accept federal nutrition benefits, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland Market Money Program. This program offers a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made with federal nutrition benefits at participating farmers’ markets and other local food vendors, while also providing technical assistance and marketing support.

Among the recipients, Horizon Goodwill Industries will establish Horizon Market in Hagerstown, a nonprofit grocery store designed to serve residents with transportation challenges and high food insecurity. In Garrett County, the Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance plans to transform the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market pavilion into a year-round fresh food hub. The Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center in Somerset County will launch a “Local Food Marketplace” at its facility. Mayo Snackz Too Food Park in Baltimore City’s Cherry Hill neighborhood will create a permanent food hub offering groceries and staple items within walking distance for residents. Prince George’s County will see the development of the BlueLine Agrihub by The Capital Market, which will provide shared processing, climate-controlled storage, and commercial kitchen space to support local farmers and food producers, thereby strengthening the regional food economy.

The NourishMD program’s alignment with the Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program underscores a broader state commitment to improving health outcomes in rural communities. The Maryland Department of Health received $168 million in federal funding for the rural health initiative, aiming to modernize healthcare delivery and enhance access and affordability. This funding, supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, signifies a significant federal investment in the state’s rural health infrastructure, with potential for renewal over five years.

This grant program is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of Maryland residents by increasing the availability of affordable, nutritious food in underserved areas. The focus on businesses that accept federal nutrition assistance ensures that the funds will directly benefit low-income families and individuals. Furthermore, the expansion of local food infrastructure through these grants is expected to stimulate local economies and support Maryland farmers. Residents in designated food deserts can anticipate new or improved access points for fresh produce and other essential food items, potentially reducing reliance on less healthy options and improving overall community health and well-being.

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

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