Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program
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 Delaware food deserts.
This grant was recently updated
Cycle 6 is now open for applications through the online portal, with a deadline of December 17 at noon. Slides from the November 12 webinar are available, and the recording will be posted when available.
Funder: Delaware Division of Small Business
Due Dates: December 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. noon (Cycle 6)
Funding Amounts: $700,000 total program funding for 2026; scaled funding model
Summary: Supports food businesses and organizations expanding healthy-food access in Delaware food deserts and areas at risk of becoming food deserts.
Description
The Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program supports access to healthy foods in Delaware food deserts and areas at risk of becoming food deserts. It is a partnership between the Delaware Division of Small Business, the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy, and Senator Darius Brown. The program serves farmers, small and independent grocery retailers offering culturally diverse foods, food banks, food pantries, and other food supply chain businesses and organizations.
Grants and other financial assistance support operations, capital expenses, equipment purchases, and projects that expand supply chain capacity and strengthen collaboration among community partners. Supported activities span food production, retail, distribution, storage, transportation, and processing, including refrigeration, food pickup and delivery, commercial kitchens, and food preparation facilities.
