$500,000 Awarded to Support Food Access through FEED Grants
FREDERICK, Md. – Families across Frederick County will have increased access to nutritious meals, thanks to the awarding of $500,000 in Food Equity and Emergency Distribution (FEED) Grants. The grants will help 19 nonprofits, including food banks, pantries and religious organizations, to meet the increased demand for food services caused by the recent federal government shutdown.
The FEED Grant Program was launched last November by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and administered in partnership with The Community Foundation of Frederick County. The initiative uses one-time funds to strengthen food distribution efforts. Eligible uses include buying food, obtaining essential supplies, and making capital investments such as refrigeration and storage equipment.
"These grants help ensure that no one in Frederick County goes hungry,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.“ The Frederick FEED Grant Program directly supports nonprofits on the front lines, helping them expand food distribution, purchase necessary equipment, and meet the growing demand for food assistance in our community."
Organizations receiving grants represent a diverse range of programs and services:
-
Andrea’s House Inc. – Food distribution to support household stability and ongoing recovery.
-
Asian American Center of Frederick – Commercial refrigeration and food that supports expanded culturally appropriate food distribution for low-income households and homebound seniors along the Golden Mile.
-
Blessings in a Backpack, Frederick Chapter – Weekend backpack meals for food-insecure children attending Frederick County Public Schools.
-
Brunswick Ecumenical Assistance Committee on Needs (BEACON) – Improved access to essential food and related items.
-
Centro Hispano de Frederick – Expanded food access for families across Frederick.
-
City Youth Matrix – Meals for clients participating in programs.
-
Emmanuel Trinity Lutheran Church – Food distribution services.
-
Farm to School Frederick Inc. – Veggie Van mobile markets to increase healthy food access.
-
Frederick Community College Foundation – Access to nutritious food for students experiencing food insecurity.
-
Goodwill Industries - Food to support warm meals and food pantry access through Fellowship Friday gatherings.
-
Helping Hands and Caring Hearts – Food to sustain and expand hunger relief efforts.
-
Hood College – Expansion of year-round hydroponic garden systems and to expand year-round fresh vegetables.
-
Maryland Food Bank – Food distribution for community partners, increasing access, choice, and variety of food options.
-
Middletown United Methodist Church – Weekend meals for school-aged children.
-
Seton Center – Essential, nutritious food for northern Frederick County families.
-
Steadfast - Standing Firm Against Youth Homelessness, Inc - Purchase food service equipment.
-
Supporting Older Adults through Resources Inc. (SOAR) – Grocery delivery to homebound low-income seniors.
-
The Salvation Army – Replacement of equipment that supports safe and efficient meal preparation.
-
YMCA of Frederick County – Purchase of kitchen equipment, supporting expanded meal service for children.
This was the second and final of the Frederick FEED Grant Program. An initial round of grants was awarded in January of this year. The County extends its appreciation to The Community Foundation of Frederick County for their partnership in administering the FEED Grant Program. For more information, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/FEED.
###
CONTACT: Hope Morris
Communications Manager
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
301-600-2590
|
