The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) applications for the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program (DGI/FSFSP) will open February 20 with the goal to increase access to healthy, affordable foods in food deserts as well as areas at risk of becoming food deserts in Delaware.
“A total of $700,000 in grant funding is available to Delaware farmers, small, community independent grocery retailers, including those offering culturally diverse foods, food banks, food pantries and other food supply chain businesses and organizations,” a press release from DSB read. “Awarded funds may be used to support operations, capital expenses, equipment purchases and other projects that expand supply chain capacity and strengthen collaboration among community partners.”
Championed by Senator Darius Brown (D), the DGI/FSFSP is administered through partnership between the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy. The Council launched the FSFSP in 2022 and the program was adopted through legislation sponsored by Brown in 2024.
“This funding is designed to meet operators where they are, reduce barriers to participation and expand access to healthy and culturally relevant food across Delaware,” CJ Bell, Director of DSB, said. “As we continue to refine and scale this program, our focus remains on ensuring food access is not determined by zip code.”
Council Chair Nancy Staisey also praised the program.
“By making funds available directly to farmers and food supply chain operators we have the opportunity to target specific gaps,” she stated. “This means we continue to build capacity across our food system and improve food security for Delawareans in urban and rural communities.”
Brown was happy to support the legislation and champion the program.
“The growing, diverse demography of our state requires new economic investments that support our multiethnic small businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers and other partners to bring fresh produce to underserved communities. This grant funding is critical to addressing food insecurity and ensuring that all Delawareans can access healthy, high-quality food options,” Brown said. “The opening of the 2026 grant application window represents an important step in our ongoing effort to remove barriers and ensure our neighbors can meet their basic needs while reminding us that opportunity lives here in Delaware.”
DSB will hold a webinar on February 18 at 12:30 PM to provide details on the grant program. Registration is required and can be found online.
