The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), has announced the launch of the NourishMD Grant Program. This initiative aims to provide financial support to farmers markets, farm stands, and other local food retailers across Maryland, focusing on communities facing food insecurity.
Through the program, eligible retailers can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. The total funding available statewide is up to $2 million. The grants are intended for investments in equipment, facilities, inventory expansion, and technology upgrades—especially those related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) infrastructure.
The program targets both existing Maryland Market Money (MMM) access points and new or prospective retailers. For farmers’ markets and farm-based retailers, funds may be used for refrigeration units, point-of-sale systems, storage solutions, and other market infrastructure improvements. These upgrades are designed to help farmers accept nutrition benefits more easily and reach a broader customer base.
“Maryland’s farmers markets and farm-based retailers play a critical role in connecting communities to fresh, local food,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “Through the NourishMD Grant Program, we are investing directly in the infrastructure and technology that farmers and market operators need to grow their businesses, accept nutrition benefits like SNAP and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and ensure more Marylanders can access healthy, locally grown food.”
To qualify for funding, applicants must be for-profit or nonprofit food retailers serving areas with a Maryland Community Business Compass Fresh Food Gap Score of 60% or higher. Most participating retailers are required to operate year-round at least five days per week; however, an exception is made for seasonal farmers’ markets and on-farm markets due to their unique operating schedules.
The program also aligns with MMM’s mission by supporting economic access to local foods while enhancing farm viability through expanded physical and digital infrastructure.
“Marylanders’ access to healthy food should never depend on their ZIP code or neighborhood. Food deserts are a result of long-standing inequity and disinvestment that limits opportunity and dignity for too many Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This exciting partnership between DHCD and MDA has equity at its core — it will support small businesses, strengthen local economies, and ensure more families can access the healthy food they deserve.”
Applications opened January 20 at noon EST via https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Business/Pages/NourishMD-Grant-Program.aspx , with a deadline set for February 20 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Award notifications are expected in May 2026 after approval from the Board of Public Works.
Farmers markets, farm stands, and other interested parties are encouraged to review eligibility requirements online before applying.
