First State Food System Grant Program

The Delaware Grocery Initiative’s First State Food System Grant Program is administered by the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) in collaboration with the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy. This grant program aims to improve access to healthy food options in food deserts and areas at risk of becoming food deserts across the state of Delaware. The program supports the state’s broader Grocery Initiative by offering financial resources to eligible food-related entities involved in various stages of the food supply chain. The program offers funding to a wide range of applicants, including businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations that are involved in growing, processing, storing, transporting, distributing, or selling food within Delaware. The eligible categories include farmers and food producers, independently owned grocery stores, cooperative groceries, corner stores, neighborhood markets, farmers markets, food trucks, farm stands, food pantries, food closets, soup kitchens, food storage facilities, food refrigeration or freezer providers, food pickup and delivery services, commercial kitchens, and food prep or washing facilities. Approximately 20 grants of up to $12,500 each will be awarded. The funding can be used to cover equipment purchases, capital investments, operational and administrative expenses, and other costs that contribute to the objectives of the program. The intent is to strengthen Delaware’s local food systems and reduce food insecurity by enhancing food availability in underserved communities. The application window opens on May 5, 2025. Completed applications must be submitted electronically as scanned documents to both dedabusinessportal@delaware.gov and Business_Finance@delaware.gov by 4:00 p.m. on May 30, 2025. Applicants must first create an account on the Division of Small Business Portal, which facilitates the application process and expedites funding disbursement for awardees. The grant awards will be announced and funds disbursed by June 13, 2025. The Division of Small Business provides a screen-by-screen walkthrough to assist applicants in creating their portal account. For assistance, businesses can reach out to the Division via email at business@delaware.gov or through their offices in Dover and Wilmington.