Best Food Security Grants

The International Foundation Grant is aimed at U.S.-based non-profit organizations working in developing countries to enhance health, education, and income levels for impoverished communities. While currently not accepting new applications, the foundation reviews proposals from previously invited organizations. The focus lies on holistic, community-driven projects in sectors such as agriculture, education, environment, and health. Partnerships with local entities are encouraged to ensure sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Father's Table Foundation Grant aims to glorify God by addressing the immediate and future needs of women and children globally. This selective grant process emphasizes building self-sufficiency and resilience among beneficiaries, focusing on proven partners capable of expanding their impact. The foundation supports a diverse range of projects, including employment assistance, education, humanitarian aid, and health care, ensuring that aid not only meets urgent needs but also fosters long-term sustainability.

The Florida Blue Foundation's Driver of Health: Food Security Grants aim to enhance food security for families in vulnerable communities. By improving access to affordable, nutritious food, the initiative seeks to mitigate health risks associated with food insecurity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and community agencies in Florida, focusing on educational programs that promote self-sufficiency. Priority will be given to areas with high food insecurity, ensuring that targeted populations receive essential support.

The Simply Organic Giving Fund Grant aims to combat food insecurity in the U.S. and Canada by providing access to nutrient-dense organic food for those in need. Since its inception, the fund has supported various initiatives, including training centers for organic agriculture and community food projects. With a focus on sustainable practices, the grant program seeks to empower communities and improve food access for vulnerable populations, ensuring that healthy, organic options are available to all.

The Sapphire Awards, organized by the Florida Blue Foundation, celebrate exemplary programs, organizations, and individuals who have made significant contributions to community health since 2005. With awards totaling up to $525,000, this program recognizes transformative partnerships, innovative solutions, and measurable impacts on health outcomes. Nominees must be Florida-based and demonstrate a commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting overall well-being, aligning with the Foundation's priorities of improving health, food security, and mental health.

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, aims to strengthen local food systems by connecting farmers and food producers to improve access to locally sourced food. With funding of up to $1,000,000 available, eligible applicants include local producers, community organizations, and food banks. This initiative promotes food security by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food across the Commonwealth, thereby enhancing community resilience and sustainability.

The New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI) aims to enhance the capacity of faith and community-based organizations to address community issues. The program supports diverse projects including civic engagement, food security, and services for seniors, focusing on innovative approaches to create meaningful change. By fostering partnerships and providing resources, OFBI is committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations and facilitating community-driven solutions.

The Washington Home Grant supports innovative programs aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults and terminally ill residents in the Washington, D.C. area. Priorities include caregiver relief, support for the critically ill, addressing food insecurity, reducing social isolation, and providing sponsorships for eligible organizations. By funding diverse initiatives, the grant enhances community engagement and well-being among vulnerable populations, ensuring vital resources and services are accessible to those in need.

The Lift A Life Foundation's Community Impact Grant provides funding to nonprofits in Kentucky, focusing on Early Childhood Education, Food Insecurity, and Military & First Responder Family Support. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with multi-year requests considered. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and can only receive one grant per year. This initiative aims to empower local leaders to create impactful change in their communities.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) aims to enhance access to healthy, affordable food and bolster economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. By providing grants for food ventures in areas like Gateway Cities and rural regions, MFVP supports local agricultural enterprises and aligns with the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan. Key investment areas include food processing infrastructure and improved distribution systems, ensuring equitable access to fresh local food and promoting healthy eating.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The Strength in Service Grant Program, administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations in Hawai‘i. This program provides vital support to organizations facing federal funding challenges, focusing on health and social safety net services. Eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)3 entities operating in Hawai‘i and must demonstrate a commitment to long-term sustainability. Priority is given to those addressing food security, health care, and immigrant legal services.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.

The 2025-2026 Food Security, School Readiness, and Recovery Pilot Grant Program, Year 3, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes through targeted funding. This initiative supports Save the Children in implementing food security measures, kindergarten transition programs, and afterschool initiatives for children up to sixth grade, while also addressing pandemic-related learning losses. By focusing on holistic support, the program seeks to foster a healthier, more prepared generation of students.

The Preschool Aged Children's Food Security Grant Program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to provide funding to Kids' Meals for delivering free, nutritious meals to preschool-aged children in need. This initiative not only addresses immediate hunger but also empowers families with resources to break the cycle of poverty. By supporting local education agencies, this program plays a crucial role in improving food security and educational outcomes for vulnerable communities.

About City Market, Onion River Co-op

City Market, Onion River Co-op, is a community-owned food cooperative with two locations in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. We offer a large selection of local, organic, and conventional foods, and thousands of Vermont-made products.

The Co-op is dedicated to supporting the local economy and strengthening the local food system. We work with over 400 independent Vermont farmers, producers, and Vermont-owned businesses to feature the widest selection of local products we can. We regularly stock over 3,000 Local or Made in Vermont products, and Local and Made in Vermont products account for 40% of our sales. As a Member-owned cooperative, we are accountable to our Members.

Seedling Grants

What Are Seedling Grants?

Through our Co-op Seedling Grant program, City Market grants funding to projects from Vermont non-profit organizations whose work strengthens our local food system. This program is currently funded through our Rally for Change program.

Seedling Grant History

During profitable years, City Market Members receive patronage checks based on their spending as a form of profit-sharing. According to City Market’s By-Laws, any Patronage Refunds that are not cashed within 90 days are donated to organizations supporting our local food system, as directed by our Board. In 2014, City Market created a new program to offer grants through our uncashed Patronage Refund checks – our Seedling Grant Program! Since 2018, this program has been funded through Rally for Change as the Co-op works toward a return to profitability after our South End expansion.

Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (the “Department” or “IDOA”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants through the Local Food and Infrastructure Grant Act [505 ILCS 92] and Administrative Code Title 8: Agriculture and Animals Chapter I: Department of Agriculture Subchapter m: Marketing Programs Part 340 Local Food Infrastructure Grant. The purpose of this program is for the development of local food processing, aggregation and distribution.

The General Assembly finds that the following conditions exist in this State:

• Small fruit, vegetable, and livestock farmers are vital to the health and wealth of Illinois communities, yet Illinois does not currently have infrastructure in place to support local food farmers or to feed Illinois communities.
• An estimated 95% of the food consumed in Illinois is purchased from outside of our borders, resulting in the export of billions of food dollars outside our State rather than the enhancement of our local food economies.
• A shift of just 10% toward local food purchasing by Illinois individuals, families, schools, institutions, and State agencies could generate billions in economic growth for our State.
• For Illinois families, businesses, schools, and institutions to shift their purchasing practices, Illinois must invest in supporting critical local food infrastructure needed to bolster processing, aggregation, and distribution of local food.

The General Assembly determines and declares that there exist conditions in the State that require the Department to issue grants on behalf of the State for the development of local food processing, aggregation, and distribution. (505 ILCS 92/10) Sec. 10 (a) and (b).

All grant funding provided under this Act must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building, or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products.

Opportunity Funding

• $3,600,000.00

Funding Sources

• State

Funding Source Description 

• This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0003, Section 205 and Section 210. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $3,600,000. Awards will range from $1,000 to $250,000.

The Equitable Food Access Initiative: Healthy Corner Stores aims to enhance food access for District residents by supporting corner stores through evidence-based strategies. Managed by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, this initiative seeks proposals from community-based organizations and local businesses to improve food environments. By fostering partnerships, the program intends to create healthier, more sustainable food access points within the community, ensuring that all residents can benefit from nutritious food options.

The Equitable Food Access Initiative: Home Delivered Meals, led by the DC Department of Health, aims to enhance food access for District residents. This program invites proposals from qualified community and non-profit organizations to implement effective strategies for delivering meals to those in need. By focusing on evidence-based approaches, the initiative seeks to improve food environments and ensure equitable access to nutritious food options for all residents.

The Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program aims to boost independent domestic fertilizer production. By funding projects that enhance manufacturing capacity and fertilizer availability, it supports upgrades to existing facilities and the construction of new ones. This initiative seeks to improve the U.S. fertilizer supply chain, providing agricultural producers with additional options and ensuring a more robust domestic supply infrastructure.

About DC Health Community Health Administration

The Community Health Administration works to prevent the leading causes of death, protect and promote the health of mothers and children and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in health. CHA focuses on nutrition and physical activity promotion; cancer and chronic disease prevention and control; access to quality primary health care services; and the health of families across the lifespan. CHA’s approach targets the multiple factors that influence health through evidence-based programs, policies and systems change.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Produce Incentives

Purpose

The DC Health Community Health Administration (CHA) is requesting applications from qualified applicants to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities resulting in food insecurity.

Applicants shall implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, food security, and reduce the burden of chronic disease for vulnerable residents across the life span. 

Target Population

Grantees shall provide services to at least 6,000 District residents across the lifespan (16 years or older) who are disproportionately impacted by chronic disease and experience higher barriers to accessing healthy foods. Programming shall prioritize residents that participate in or are eligible for one of the following programs:

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP, locally Grocery Plus)
• SNAP (formerly food stamps)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• WIC

Emphasis should be placed on residents of Wards 5, 7, and 8.

The DC Health Community Health Administration is seeking qualified applicants for the Equitable Food Access Initiatives: School Based Nutrition Market. This initiative aims to enhance food access in communities facing food insecurity by implementing evidence-based interventions. Targeting over 10,000 vulnerable residents throughout the year, the program will support families with children by promoting healthier food environments and reducing chronic disease burdens. Applications are encouraged from those ready to improve nutrition and food security for all.

Farm to Food Security Grant Program

The Farm to Food Security (F2FS) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity to help individuals and organizations buy foods grown and raised in Minnesota and distribute them at no cost to Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity, particularly individuals whose needs are not met through the traditional emergency food system.

Eligible projects and expenses

All food distributions that are part of F2FS projects must take place in Minnesota, but how the food is shared can be based on the needs of the community.

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• A local food shelf buying food produced by farmers in their county and then distributing the food as part of their weekly distribution events.
• A regional hospital establishing a “produce prescription” program to buy local foods and deliver them to families in need and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.
• A Tribal government buying traditional foods grown by Tribal members and distributing the foods to elders.
• A farmers’ market implementing a food recovery program to pay farmers for products left at the end of the market and partnering with a local food shelf to distribute them.
• Eligible expenses include:
• Foods grown and raised in Minnesota, including whole (unprocessed), minimally processed, and processed items.
• Up to 15% of the total project costs for administrative costs related to food storage, food transportation, and other supporting expenses.

See the request for proposals (RFP) for more details and examples of the types of projects and expenses that are eligible.

The 2026 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program seeks to enhance workforce development in marine-related professions and improve seafood safety and management. This initiative encourages projects that foster technological innovations in fishing practices and promote outreach on sustainability and quality of seafood. By strengthening partnerships among industry, researchers, and communities, the program aims to build a competitive and sustainable marine community in Alaska, with all projects required to be conducted within the state.

Community Greenhouse Grant

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to fund projects that will deliver the greatest measurable benefit by enhancing food production opportunities through investments in shared, educational-use, durable greenhouses. This RFA provides instructions on how schools, community centers, non-profit organizations, and other public entities may apply for one-time grant funding for durable greenhouse structures and associated siting and installation costs. 

Funding Available:

• DACF anticipates awarding up to $500,000 through this grant opportunity.

Award Range:

• Award ranges will be between $10,000 and $100,000

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Healthy Corner Stores RFA

The Department of Health (DC Health) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to implement evidence based or evidence informed strategies that increase food access and improve food environments for District residents through corner stores.

The purpose of this funding is to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities that contribute to food insecurity. The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DC Health), Community Health Administration (CHADistrict of Columbia to implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, and food security for vulnerable residents across the lifespan.

The total funding amount of up to $750,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period