Community organizations involved with food security issues are urged to apply for mini-grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to improve capacity and infrastructure dedicated to increasing food security or to support inventive and collaborative approaches to reducing food insecurity.  Tax-exempt organizations applying for the mini-grants can use the funding for direct service or assistance to vulnerable populations; this may involve meal preparation, distribution, transportation and/or delivery.  The funding may also be used for recovery of food that is good to eat but otherwise would be wasted.  The County’s vision for food security is a community where all residents have access to safe, sufficient, nutritious food. 

Funding for the grant program is included in the FY19 operating budget for the County’s Department of Health and Human Services.  Organizations can apply independently or in collaboration with other groups.  This mini-grants program will amplify efforts underway to Community Food Rescue (CFR), a program of Manna Food Center, who will be distributing the grants.

Applications are due by close of business on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.  For information about application guidelines and to complete an online application, visit https://bit.ly/2mZI76e .  Questions can be directed to Diana Tato-Niktash at 240-777-3404 or by email to [email protected]. 

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