Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program
Forecasted
Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program supports food businesses and organizations with operations, equipment, and supply chain projects to expand healthy food access in food deserts.
Funder: Delaware Division of Small Business
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $700,000 total awarded to 28 organizations in Cycle 5 (2026)
Summary: Supports food businesses and organizations expanding healthy food access in Delaware food deserts and areas at risk of becoming food deserts.
Key Information: Supports Delaware food production, retail, distribution, storage, transportation, and processing operations.
Description
The Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program provides grants and other financial assistance to expand access to healthy foods in Delaware food deserts and areas at risk of becoming food deserts. It supports farmers, independent and community grocery retailers offering culturally diverse foods, food banks, food pantries, and other food supply chain businesses and organizations. Funds can support operations, capital expenses, equipment purchases, and projects that expand supply chain capacity and strengthen collaboration among community partners.
The program is a partnership between the Delaware Division of Small Business, the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy, and Senator Darius Brown. The First State Food System Program originated under the Council and was adopted through legislation sponsored by Senator Brown in 2024, establishing the Delaware Grocery Initiative.
