A new Maryland Department of Agriculture grant is aiming to address food insecurity and provide a new market for local farmers.
Maryland food banks and charitable emergency food providers can apply for the grant through the end of September. The grant is provided by the Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program.
With the grant money, food providers can purchase and process products – including surplus, seasonal or contractual agriculture or seafood products – from businesses in the Certified Local Farm and Fish program, according to a press release from The Maryland Department of Agriculture.
“Not only can we address food insecure areas, we can also support our local farm and fish producers making this entire grant a real asset to all involved,” Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks said in the release.
The Certified Local Farm and Fish Program was established by the state agriculture department to encourage state agencies to purchase at least 20% of their food from local farmers. To qualify for the program, farms must meet nutrient management requirements, according to the program website.
There is $200,000 of available funds and each request must be at least $5,000.
The application closes on Sept. 30 for more information and to apply, visit Maryland OneStop.
