Best Grants for Food Pantries

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.

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation works closely with local organizations, nonprofits, businesses, government, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more vibrant region. Informed by three decades of partnering with and serving our community, we have awarded more than $420 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.

Fairfield County Food Security Grants

Fairfield County Food Security grants seek to fill unmet needs in underserved communities by strengthening the collaborative efforts of nonprofits and grassroots organizations that are responding to increased demands and community needs. The Community Foundation will award organizations that best demonstrate the potential to make meaningful, measurable changes in our community by centering equity and transforming the systems and structures at the root of inequities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, until available funded are expended.

Specifically, the Fairfield County Food Security grants seek to fill unmet needs in underserved communities by strengthening the collaborative efforts of nonprofits responding to the increased demands and community needs, including:  

• Neighborhood food banks and hyperlocal pantry programs (e.g., mutual aid, churches). 
• Grassroots food distribution networks that deliver directly to families and seniors. 
• School and after-school nutrition programs that fill gaps for children and teens. 
• Food pantries at community colleges meet students’ basic needs.
• Services for people reentering the community from incarceration and veterans’ groups expanding food access.
• Local farms and community growers that help supply healthy, culturally relevant foods for underserved communities.
• Advocating for policies related to food access and gaps in food security.

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.

The Food Insecurity Relief Fund Grant Program, managed by the North Valley Community Foundation, aims to support local food banks and organizations in Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, and Plumas counties. This program focuses on aiding those in need by providing essential food assistance while ensuring that funds are used strategically to maximize impact. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and local governments, fostering inclusive support without discrimination.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Impact Grants provide essential funding to organizations facing barriers in delivering food assistance. These small grants, typically ranging from $1,500 for child nutrition programs to $7,500 for agency partners, aim to enhance capacity and improve service delivery. By addressing specific needs, such as equipment or facility repairs, these grants create significant and lasting impacts on food security in the community.

McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants focus on addressing food access and insecurity for youth aged 16-24 in underserved communities. With an investment of $8.5 million since 2022, the initiative aims to empower local organizations through project-based funding. Key priorities include enhancing workforce readiness and promoting food access via food banks, community gardens, and mobile markets. This grant program emphasizes community engagement and sustainability to foster resilience and support for young people in Chicago.

The TDECU Cares Foundation Grant supports local organizations that enhance community well-being by focusing on education, employment pathways, and essential human needs. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) non-profits and governmental entities within TDECU's service areas. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its strategic focus and provide volunteer opportunities for TDECU employees. By investing in impactful initiatives, the foundation aims to foster meaningful change in the communities it serves.

The Frederick FEED Grant, administered by The Community Foundation of Frederick County, aims to enhance food equity and emergency distribution in the community. Open from December 1 to December 21, 2025, it supports existing food banks, pantries, and nonprofits in Frederick County. Grants can be utilized for expanding food distribution efforts and acquiring necessary equipment, thereby addressing critical food insecurity issues and fostering a healthier community for all.

The Inspire Change Grant, presented by ConocoPhillips and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, is a key initiative of the Houston Texans Foundation, established to promote social justice and racial equity in Houston. Since its inception in 2021, the grant has supported local organizations in their efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for youth. By leveraging the influence of football, the Foundation aims to foster a more inclusive community and empower the next generation.

Adirondack Community Foundation

For three decades, Adirondack Community Foundation has been a steady hand, helping our region grow from within.

Our Mission: Connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives and expand opportunities throughout the Adirondack region.

Small Grants for Small Food Pantries

Small Grants for Small Food Pantries at Adirondack Community Foundation makes grants available to food pantries to help with infrastructure and long-term improvements that allow them to provide more fresh food options and better support volunteers. One-time grants of up to $1,500 per pantry may be used to upgrade equipment or technology, provide volunteer training, or improve signage and displays to help people choose better options.

About the Office of Food Systems Resilience

Bill 20-22 established the OFSR as a non-principal office of the County’s Executive Branch. The OFSR works to make the County’s food system more resilient and equitable to improve the health of residents, the economy, and the environment. The Office serves as the liaison between County agencies and community partners with the goal of addressing the conditions which lead to food insecurity for residents.

About the Office of Grants Management

As charged in Bill 36-19, the OGM provides a central point of contact regarding the grants that the County receives or awards. The OGM also develops countywide policies and procedures regarding grants management and ensures these are consistent with racial equity and social justice goals and performs outreach regarding grants offered by the County and other grants functions.

Food Aggregation Grant Program - Stage One

Program Summary

The Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), in partnership with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), is soliciting grant applications from local food aggregation and distribution companies with experience in market development for small farmers to establish and maintain a facility in Montgomery County, Maryland under the County’s FY2026 Food Aggregation Grant Program. This facility, and the grantee selected to run it (“Operator”), will aggregate, distribute, and market food grown by regional farmers to wholesale markets- including, but not limited to, Montgomery County institutions and agencies- such as schools, senior centers, hospitals, food banks, and correctional facilities.

$550,000 in funding is available to fund one award from OFSR to support startup, construction and retrofitting of necessary facilities, ongoing operations, and to purchase food over the initial one-year program period; the performance period of this grant is anticipated to cover a four year period from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2030. Multi-year funding across the four fiscal years will range from $250,000 to $550,000 in grant funds and/or food purchasing commitments, pending funding availability and grantee performance, with a maximum of $550,000 total available in a single fiscal year. 

Nutrition Incentive Program (TX)

This funding opportunity invites Grant Applications requesting funding for the NIP Project. The purpose of this program is to provide NIP Project services. NIPs are designed to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income households participating in the SNAP by providing an Incentive for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at the point of sale to a household buying food with SNAP benefits. NIPs improve access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for Texas families, create more business for Texas farmers and Retailers, and boost local economies. 

HHSC will look solely to the Grantee for the performance of all Grantee obligations and requirements in a Grant Agreement resulting from this RFA. Grantee shall not be relieved of its obligations for any nonperformance by its subgrantees or subcontractors, if any.

The total amount of State funding available for the NIP Project grant is $6,000,000.00 for the entire Project Period. The NIP Project(s) must be completed no later than August 31, 2027. It is HHSC’s intention to make multiple awards to Applicants that successfully demonstrate that they currently implement a NIP that qualifies for federal funds under Section 4205, Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. Section 7517).

Applicants are strongly cautioned to only apply for the amount of grant funding they can responsibly expend during the Project Period to avoid lapsed funding at the end of the Grant Term. Successful Applications may not be funded to the full extent of Applicant’s requested Budgets in order to ensure grant funds are available for the broadest possible array of communities and programs. Reimbursement will only be made for actual, allowable, and allocable expenses that occur within the Project Period. No spending or costs incurred prior to the effective date of the award will be eligible for reimbursement.

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.

Northland Foundation

The Northland Foundation is a place-based, publicly supported foundation working within seven Northeast Minnesota counties and all or parts of five Native nations.

Mission: Our mission is to support Northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund

The Northland Foundation is serving as an intermediary for the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund with up to $600,000 available for re-granting within northeast Minnesota according to the priorities and guidelines of the OBT.

Focus Areas that OBT Grants Will Support

Grants may support operations, programming, and/or capital projects for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations operating within northeast Minnesota. Grant proposals must be for work in one or more of the following OBT focus areas.

• Food. Organizations and programs that directly operate meal sites and food pantries to meet basic daily needs (large, region- and state-wide food bank activities are NOT included).
• Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.
• Low-income healthcare clinics. Organizations and programs that primarily provide affordable medical, dental, and mental health services to people with limited financial resources or who are uninsured/under-insured.
• Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.
• School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services.

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.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Turkey Distribution 2026

IRUSA facilitates annual Turkey Distributions in cities across the United States during Thanksgiving. IRUSA will procure and deliver turkeys to partners that will deliver them onto people in need. Along with turkeys, partner organizations may distribute other Thanksgiving goods to assist individuals and families who may not have access to these food items. The distribution may occur with regular food pantry distribution dates or as its own event. The goal of this event is to not only address food insecurity in local communities but to also embody the season of giving by bringing the holiday festivities to those who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in their homes.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Summer Food Service Program (SUN) program 2026

The Summer Food Service Program (SUN), created and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently provides organizations with limited funding opportunities to purchase and provide meals to their local communities in the form of reimbursements. Starting in 2011, IRUSA began to supplement and support the USDA in this effort. SUN recipient, organizations are able to start a USDA-approved site, increase the capacity of their current USDA-approved site(s) or develop their role as the meal-providing sponsor to subgrantees. Grants are provided to further enable and encourage wider participation in this program as well as increase food access and support to food-insecure children throughout the summer months. 

Growing Justice Fund Program

The Fund for Equitable Good Food Procurement is a multi-donor pooled fund driven by the wisdom and experience of funders, farmers and other workers in the food value chain with shared values and vision.

Awards Nearly $5M to 38 Community-Led Initiatives Supporting Values-Based Good Food Purchasing.

While community-serving institutions–such as schools, hospitals, and senior centers–spend billions annually on food purchasing, the benefits of these contracts have been largely bypassed by small- and mid-size producers, especially Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant producers. 

For the 2025 grant cycle, the Growing Justice Fund awarded a mix of Planning Grants and Implementation Grants, with grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. These investments support projects that strengthen engagement with community-serving anchor institutions—including schools, hospitals, and elder care facilities—that hold significant purchasing power and can drive meaningful economic and social benefits for historically marginalized communities.

Priority Areas

Infrastructure:

Building and strengthening systems that enable equitable food purchasing, including support for historically disadvantaged producers, food hubs, and institutional partnerships.

Policy and Organizing:

Supporting grassroots organizing, educational policy advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that align institutional food purchasing practices with community-defined priorities.

Traditional Food Pathways:

Advancing food sovereignty within Tribal Nations by supporting traditional foodways, local food economies, and community-led approaches to Native food systems.

About

With deep roots in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Companies and its family of stores prides itself in being a part of neighborhoods and putting people first. Our dedication to customers is reflected in the connections we’ve made in the communities we’ve served for more than 70 years.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation

In 2000, we established The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, our philanthropic, non-profit organization, supporting programs and organizations that provide vital resources for children and families in the communities we serve. The CARES Foundation focuses on building stronger communities through fresh foods, accessibility, and programs that support youth and helping them to thrive. Annually, The CARES Foundation contributes approximately $500,000 in small grants to support community-based, non-profit organizations.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation Grant

The CARES Foundation’s focus is building stronger communities through fresh foods, access to food, and programs that support youth and helping them thrive.

The CARES Foundation will review, on a quarterly basis, among other things, the breadth of the audience served; the likely impact in the community; the importance of the need to be addressed in the community; and the community reputation, service history, and financial stability of the group or program seeking funds. No one of these or other factors will necessarily be weighted more heavily than another. Instead, each group or program will be measured against all groups and 2 programs seeking funding at the time. For example, a program serving a small segment of the community but that addresses an especially important community need, and thus has the potential for a strong and meaningful impact, would be favored over a group serving a wider clientele but that fills a less important community need. Requests for Grants should be a minimum of $500.00 up to $10,000.00. Programs and organizations requesting smaller grants should contact the Store Manager of the nearest Save Mart Companies’ store location for request consideration.

Recipients that receive grants for more than one year must demonstrate meaningful outcomes for the previous investment made by The CARES Foundation.

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 Kiwanis Foundation of New England End Hunger Grant supports Kiwanis Divisions and SLP Administrators in their efforts to combat hunger in New England. By contributing $1,500 towards a $4,000 meal packing project, participants can access $2,500 in funding for projects aimed at providing 10,000 meals. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also ensures that vital resources are allocated to fight hunger effectively.

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is partnering with the Otto Bremer Trust to deliver $525,000 in grant funding to organizations across Northwest Minnesota through the 2026 Community Responsive Fund.

Funding priorities and eligibility criteria for this program are established by Otto Bremer Trust and focus on supporting organizations that provide essential, direct services to meet basic needs in our communities.

Funding Priorities

Food:

• Programs that directly operate meal sites or food pantries to meet daily needs

Shelter:

• Short-term or emergency shelter for individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness

Low-Income Healthcare Clinics:

• Affordable medical, dental, or mental health services for uninsured or underinsured individuals

Disability Services:

• Programs supporting individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities

School-Based Mental Health:

• Established mental health services delivered within school settings

Award period: One-year

• Maximum grant amount: $75,000
• Available funding: $525,000

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

Raley's Community Giving supports impactful community initiatives in areas such as child welfare, food access, and sustainability. They prioritize requests that align with these focus areas and require submissions to be made at least 90 days prior to the need date. Organizations must be located in cities with Raley's stores and can only receive support once per fiscal year. Notably, requests for individual sponsorships or third-party fundraising are not eligible.

The Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Missouri by supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. With a focus on human services, education, and community health, the foundation provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 annually. The application process is competitive, with deadlines twice a year, ensuring substantial support for impactful community projects. Interested organizations can find more details and apply through the foundation's website.

The Snook Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities and support civic organizations in Baldwin County, Alabama. It provides funding for scholarships, health care initiatives, and community services, focusing on organizations that directly impact local residents. The foundation is committed to evolving with the community's needs and examines each grant request individually. Applicants must be 501(c) certified organizations located in the designated area. This grant fosters growth and resilience in the community, ensuring ongoing support for future generations.

The Crail-Johnson Foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations that benefit children, youth, and families in the greater Los Angeles area. Grants focus on human services, education, and health, with priority given to communities in specific Los Angeles County Service Planning Areas. The Foundation does not fund religious activities, university education, or individual requests, and typically limits grants to one year, with no more than three consecutive years of support.