State of Maryland Launches NourishMD Grant Program to Expand Fresh Food Access in Food Deserts
The Department’s new grant program will address the persistent issue of fresh food insecurity in communities across the state
NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 20, 2026) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced applications are open for the Department’s NourishMD Grant Program. The new program, offered by the Department’s Division of Business Development, will provide grants to support the development, stabilization, and expansion of retail outlets that provide fresh food in Maryland’s food deserts – areas where residents have limited or no access to nutritious food options.
“Marylanders’ access to healthy food should never depend on their ZIP code or neighborhood. Food deserts are a result of long-standing inequity and disinvestment that limits opportunity and dignity for too many Marylanders,” said Secretary Day. “By investing in the expansion of fresh food access and community-based solutions, we can help more Maryland families and communities thrive.”
The $2 million grant program will provide eligible food retailers with grants of between $25,000 and $150,000 for capital-related needs such as facility upgrades, infrastructure and technology, and equipment purchases. To be eligible for funding, businesses must be located in an area with a Fresh Food Gap Score of 60 or higher as provided by the Maryland Community Business Compass, an initiative of Governor Wes Moore’s Innovation Team. Awards will be provided on a competitive basis, with special focus given to applicants that are in ENOUGH ACT-awarded areas or designated Just Communities. Full eligibility criteria, program priorities and application requirements are available on the Department’s website.
The NourishMD Grant Program will prioritize awards to businesses that accept, or are seeking support to become able to accept, federal nutrition benefits. To support this, the Department has entered into a co-awarding partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland Market Money Program (MMM). The MMM program provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made using federal nutrition benefits at participating Maryland farmers markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) while providing technical assistance, training, marketing, and additional services to stakeholders. Jointly eligible businesses that apply for both programs will receive prioritization for awards from each.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to farmers, small food businesses, and the communities they serve,” said Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “By investing in technology and infrastructure, we are strengthening market viability, supporting farmer income, and expanding equitable access to healthy food across Maryland.”
Applications open today, January 20, 2026, and are due February 20, 2026.
The Division of Business Development focuses on growing Maryland’s business community and oversees the department’s flagship Neighborhood Business Works loan program and the deployment of State Small Business Credit Initiative funds throughout the state. In Fiscal Year 2025, NBW closed more than 108 deals representing over $21 million in business development and assistance.
To learn more about eligibility and to apply for the NourishMD Grant Program, visit the Department’s website.