Significant strides are being made to combat food deserts in Maryland, as state officials announce a substantial investment to improve access to fresh and healthy food options.
A total of $3.65 million in grants has been awarded to 44 organizations throughout Maryland, a move announced on Monday by Governor Wes Moore in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) NourishMD Grant Program.
“Every Marylander deserves access to fresh, nutritious food, regardless of their zip code,” Governor Moore stated. “As we work diligently to tackle food insecurity, the NourishMD grants aim to bridge nutritional health gaps, ensuring that every community is equipped to flourish.”
The NourishMD program is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations striving to establish, stabilize, and grow retail operations that deliver fresh food in Maryland’s food deserts, areas where healthy food choices are scarce or completely absent.
The initial funding for this initiative comes from $2 million allocated by the state. Additionally, the Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program is enhancing access in rural regions with an investment of $1.65 million in federal funding, which could be renewed for up to five years.
“No Maryland resident should find their access to healthy food contingent upon their ZIP code,” remarked Jake Day, secretary of DHCD. “These NourishMD awards are pivotal investments in the communities and businesses of Maryland, propelling our administration’s efforts to diminish food insecurity by empowering local small enterprises and nonprofits.”
Grants available through the NourishMD program range from $25,000 to $150,000, aimed at supporting capital needs such as infrastructure improvements, technology upgrades, and equipment like cold storage.
To qualify, businesses must operate in areas with a Fresh Food Gap Score of 60 or higher, as designated by the Maryland Community Business Compass.
The NourishMD initiative will distribute a total of $3.65 million to 44 organizations across 18 counties in Maryland.
In the Baltimore area, several organizations slated to benefit from the NourishMD grants include:
- Mayo Snackz Too – $150,000 to enhance the Cherry Hill food park, which will offer fresh groceries, refrigerated items, SNAP/EBT access, and initial inventory.
- Superfresh Supermarket (Pratt Street Meat and Produce Inc.) – $110,000 for expanding its produce offerings, establishing a dedicated healthy food aisle, enhancing in-store displays, and implementing nutrition education programs.
- Farm Alliance of Baltimore, Inc. – $106,250 to create a permanent 480-square-foot timber-frame farm stand at the Black Butterfly Teaching Farm in Curtis Bay, complete with refrigeration, SNAP/EBT access, and locally sourced produce.
- Acres4Change – $100,000 targeted at expanding infrastructure for the Sankofa Micro-Farm Collective and Charm City Caps mushroom operation, including hoop houses and cold storage in Southwest Baltimore.
- Civic Works, Inc. – $76,000 toward establishing a Sari-Sari-style nonprofit food store in a renovated historic firehouse in Coldstream Homestead Montebello, which will introduce refrigerated staples to its existing fresh produce program.
- Mini Market Latino LLC – $50,000 for upgrading commercial refrigeration and broadening healthy food options for its Dundalk grocery serving Latino residents and the surrounding community.
“Enhancing access to fresh and healthy food is essential not only for the community but also for fostering new opportunities for Maryland’s farmers,” stated Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Through initiatives like Maryland Market Money, we assist residents in maximizing their food budgets, ensuring that local farmers and food businesses benefit from every transaction. NourishMD builds on this success by increasing access points for Marylanders to acquire nutritious, locally-grown food, thereby strengthening communities and promoting healthier choices.”
Officials noted that the Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program’s expansion of fresh food access aligns with the broader objectives of the Moore-Miller Administration to enhance healthcare availability and affordability in rural areas of the state.
“Healthy communities start with ensuring access to nutritious food, and addressing this challenge requires a united effort,” said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “The Department of Health is proud to invest in NourishMD, allowing families in our rural communities to access vital food options. This collaborative initiative not only boosts local businesses but also tackles the foundational issues affecting overall health.”
