Five Milford area organizations received Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Grants from the Delaware Division of Small Business. The grants are available for programs that are designed to expand access to healthy, affordable food in Delaware communities currently identified as food deserts or at risk of becoming food deserts.
“This cycle reflects what’s possible when we meet communities where they are,” C.J. Bell, Director of DSB, said. “From veteran-led farms delivering to homebound seniors to a Dominican-owned corner market expanding fresh produce access, that reach across Delaware’s full food system is how we move the needle on food deserts nationwide.”
The Food Bank of Delaware will receive $25,000 to expand their Food Rescue Program into western and Sussex County food deserts. LaRed Health Center will receive $28,500 to integrate food distribution with clinical care through produce prescriptions and nutrition education for Hispanic, Haitian Creole and African American patients across Kent and Sussex County.
House of David received $20,000 to expand the Milford Fresh Access Initiative’s last-mile food delivery network to increase consistent access to health food for homebound and food-insecure residents in Kent and Sussex County food deserts.
Milford Advocacy for the Homeless was awarded $18,500 to purchase fresh produce, proteins and culturally relevant foods to stock Blessing Boxes and support Harvest Hub meal distribution across the Kent and Sussex County corridor from Dover to Georgetown.
In nearby Milton, the Milton Food Pantry will use $20,000 to transition from canned to fresh food distribution through a Healthy Increment Initiative across Sussex County.
“Too many of our neighbors struggle with finding reliable access to healthy foods, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that every community in our State has avenues to nourishing food that supports their dignity, health, and opportunity,” said Senator Darius Brown. “This round of Delaware Grocery Initiative grant funding is essential, providing much-needed financial support to nonprofits throughout our State who work to eradicate food deserts, increase the distribution and production of healthy food, and ensure that all Delawareans can prioritize their well-being.”
Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.
“These grants support Delaware farmers, food business and nonprofits to address key needs across the state’s food system, strengthening food security, improving access and affordability to fresh healthy foods in rural and urban communities, and expanding in-state supply chain capacities, said Council Chair Nancy Staisey.”
For more information on the grants or to learn more about the recipients and projects, visit the Division of Small Business online.
