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.

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.

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.

Nonprofits and community-based groups advancing equitable food procurement and distribution in Maryland and nationwide can apply for US $25,000 - US $250,000 from the Growing Justice Fund. Funding supports planning and implementation projects that strengthen food value chains, build local wealth, and promote racially just, community-led food systems serving institutions like schools and hospitals.

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 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 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.

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, 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.

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.

BIPOC-led and BIPOC-allied community-based organizations and Tribal nations in Maryland working on food delivery, distribution, and food security can apply for Growing Justice Fund’s US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants. Grants from Growing Justice Fund help strengthen equitable good food procurement infrastructure, policy and organizing, and traditional food pathways that may benefit community food pantries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Therapeutic Garden Grants program, sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, awards $7,500 annually to five selected therapeutic gardens, promoting health and healing through gardening. Organizations must have a defined therapeutic program for at least a year and a commitment to the garden for five years. Grants are co-funded by several partners, and winners are determined through a social media voting contest, ensuring community engagement and visibility for the gardens.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.