Montgomery County Food Access Grant Program Applications Now Being Accepted

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 4, 2020

Montgomery County is now accepting applications for its Food Access Grant program. The Food Access Grant funding will be used to provide food assistance to hard-to-reach communities in Montgomery County during the response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profit organizations can apply for up to $75,000.

            Applications for the grants are due by noon on Friday, May 8, and funds will be distributed beginning Tuesday, May 12.

            The COVID-19 Emergency Food Access Grant is a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Montgomery County Food Council (MCFC) and the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF). The $1.2 million in funding for the program was appropriated by the Montgomery County Council to increase food access to county residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, including funding for partnerships with ethnic grocers to increase availability of culturally appropriate food assistance. The County’s Food Security Task Force, recently formed by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, will review and determine all grant awards. The HIF is the fiscal agent for the program and will award the money.

            Grant applications will be reviewed on criteria that includes population served, services tailored to meet language and cultural needs, impact on underserved and hard-to-reach communities and the feasibility of implementation.

            To submit an application, visit the HIF website. If an organization cannot complete the application online or requires the application be provided in a language other than English, email [email protected].  After successfully logging into the site, select the COVID-19 Montgomery County Food Access application on the dashboard. For specific questions, email [email protected].

            DHHS, along with Montgomery County Public Schools, the MCFC and local food assistance providers have been working during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the increasing need for food assistance across the County. To address food insecurity and plan for a greater need, OEMHS created the Food Security Task Force, made up of county staff, community partners and food assistance recipients. A strategic plan to address food insecurity and priorities for future food assistance spending is being developed.

            For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

            Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD

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Release ID: 20-237
Media Contact: Julie Parker 240-777-6507