Best Grants for Food Pantries in Maryland

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating food pantries or other hunger-relief programs can receive funding to purchase food for distribution through the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation. Grants are for organizations within 20 miles of a Food Lion store and support food delivery and distribution services combating food insecurity.

The Venison Donation Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provides funding to organizations for butchering and processing donated deer, aiding those in need. With a maximum grant of $25,000, eligible grantees include county governments and 501(c)(3) organizations. Funds can cover up to $60 per deer processed, requiring quarterly reports detailing processing activities and distributions to recipient organizations. This initiative supports nutritional needs for vulnerable populations in Maryland.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofits can receive funding to purchase food and provide shelter for low-income and vulnerable people, including those serving Maryland. Focused on food access and supportive housing, UNICO Foundation invites U.S.-based programs with a proven service track record to apply, using 100% of funds for direct basic needs.

Food pantries and other nonprofits in Maryland providing food assistance, food rescue, or nutrition education can apply for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Organizations focused on local food distribution and related hunger relief services may be especially competitive among applicants across the U.S. and Canada.

Food retailers, food enterprises, and related organizations in Maryland can seek funding to plan or implement projects that expand access to healthy foods in underserved areas. Grants from Reinvestment Fund, through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative FARE Fund, provide US $20,000 - US $250,000 plus technical assistance, which may benefit food pantries and distribution programs serving low-income communities.

Grants from Capital Area Food Bank help Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations that run food distribution programs access donated food and nutrition education materials. Eligible nonprofits must already operate food distributions, have safe storage and a food budget, and serve communities in the Washington metropolitan region, including parts of Maryland, through an application-based partnership program.

Whole Kids Foundation provides Maryland school districts running self-operated National School Lunch Program services with support to shift from processed meals to scratch cooking. The Get Schools Cooking Grant offers multi-year training, assessments, strategic planning, and technical/equipment assistance, with program value up to US $250,000 per participating district, which may benefit districts operating pantry-style or food distribution services.

Food pantries, food banks, school meal programs, and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food access in eligible rural parts of Maryland can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support local programs. Land O'Lakes Foundation prioritizes organizations serving its member-owner communities in designated counties.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations working in preservation, education, wellness, or food delivery and distribution services can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant. Awards of more than US $50,000 help capture and share the real-world impact of your programs, which may benefit food pantries and related services.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore provides Maryland nonprofits and eligible agencies with mini-grants up to US $2,500 for program needs, capacity building, emergencies, and youth support. Food pantries and food distribution programs in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties may be eligible for assistance with essentials like food, transportation, and utilities.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools providing food distribution or related services can receive unsold bread and baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation partners with charities like food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth programs that commit to weekly pickups to serve people in need.

Existing food banks, pantries, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and civic groups serving Frederick County, Maryland can apply for the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Frederick FEED Grant; awards More than US $5,000 for food distribution, meal programs, operating support, and equipment. Programs must primarily benefit Frederick County residents facing food insecurity.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Local food aggregation and distribution companies supporting small farmers and institutional markets in Maryland can apply for Montgomery County Government’s Food Aggregation Grant Program, with awards up to US $550,000. Funding supports establishing and operating a Montgomery County facility to aggregate, distribute, and market regional farm products to schools, senior centers, hospitals, food banks, and other agencies over a multi-year period.

Food pantries and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland addressing food security and distribution can access funding through Islamic Relief USA to support Thanksgiving turkey distributions and related services. Eligible U.S.-based nonprofits must have three years of activity, keep activities within the U.S., and allocate at least 85% of funds to direct services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running food security or meal distribution programs in Maryland can apply for Islamic Relief Usa’s Summer Food Service Program (SUN) 2026 funding to expand summer meal access for children. Grants support starting or growing USDA-approved SUN meal sites, with most funds going to direct services and all activities occurring within the U.S.

Maryland community-based nonprofit organizations providing food access, fresh foods, or youth and family support can seek project funding, including food distribution infrastructure, through the Save Mart Cares Foundation; awards range from US $500 - US $10,000. Food pantries engaged in food delivery or distribution services may be especially competitive within these quarterly grant cycles.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland providing food distribution, nutrition education, diabetes support, or housing and education programs may be eligible for this funding. FDC Foundation supports U.S. charities working in health and nutrition, early childhood and continuing education, literary achievement, and housing access, which can include food pantry and related services.

Maryland food access and distribution organizations can access funding to improve healthy, locally sourced food options in rural communities. The Rural Maryland Council’s Rural Health Transformation Program supports projects that expand post-harvest infrastructure, strengthen food hubs and mobile markets, boost institutional local food procurement, and advance nutrition education and regional coordination to address food insecurity.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

The Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance, funded by the Agricultural Marketing Service, aim to support eligible organizations in enhancing cold storage capabilities within the food supply chain. This initiative focuses on providing essential nutrition assistance to low-income individuals through subawards to food banks and nonprofit organizations. By investing in cold storage equipment, the program seeks to improve the management and distribution of food resources, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support.

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation goes beyond food aid to create lasting change. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and volunteer action, Stop Hunger tackles the root causes of food insecurity.

In 2025, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and the Hunger Center awarded grants to 131 programs representing 118 communities in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. Collectively, these programs provided an estimated 22,000 backpacks full of shelf-stable food items for students to take home for the weekend or holidays when school meals are not served.

Since 2006, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has been a driving force behind weekend and holiday hunger relief for students across the U.S. Through support of food backpack programs, the Foundation partners with local food banks and schools to discreetly provide K-12 students with backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These backpacks are distributed in safe, familiar settings – typically on the last school day before a weekend or school break – ensuring that all children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals don’t go hungry when school is out.

K-12 Backpack Grant

The K-12 Backpack Grant is an initiative launched by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and administered in partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center to support community backpack programs. Grants of $1,000 will be issued to community organizations with established backpack feeding programs that provide students with shelf-stable, nutritious meals when school is out of session.

The Little Giraffe Foundation, a national non-profit based in Chicago, provides NICU Support Grants ranging from $100 to $1,000. Since 2011, they have positively impacted countless families by delivering over 32,000 gift bags and funding essential research. These grants aim to enhance the experience for parents and patients in neonatal intensive care units, supporting initiatives like holiday gift bags and resources for bonding with babies. Applications are welcomed from eligible U.S.-based institutions.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.