Food Aggregation Grant

Montgomery County, Maryland, through its Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR) in partnership with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), has launched the FY26 Food Aggregation Grant Program to strengthen the local food system and improve institutional access to locally grown foods. This initiative aims to close the persistent gap between small-scale farmers and large institutional buyers such as schools, hospitals, senior centers, food banks, and correctional facilities. By funding the development and operation of a food aggregation facility, the program seeks to facilitate distribution and marketing of farm products at a scale appropriate for wholesale markets, thereby boosting economic opportunities for local producers and ensuring healthier, locally sourced food reaches county residents. The OFSR administers this program as part of a multi-year strategy to enhance food systems infrastructure, advance equitable access to food, and support climate goals. The FY26 grant offers a total of $550,000 in initial funding for a single awardee during the first year. This includes $250,000 in flexible funds to support startup and operational expenses, and $300,000 in reimbursable capital support for facility construction or retrofitting. Over the anticipated four-year performance period (June 30, 2026 through June 30, 2030), the County plans to allocate up to $1.6 million in grant support and direct food purchases from the facility, contingent on funding availability and performance. In years two through four, funding transitions from direct grants to committed food purchases at market rates to sustain the operation. Eligible applicants must be commercial food aggregators or distributors with experience serving institutional buyers and managing food hub infrastructure. Minimum eligibility includes demonstrated sales of at least $1 million annually in food sales over the past three years, and procurement relationships with a network of at least ten small farms. Preference is given to organizations that work with Maryland’s Certified Local Farm and Fish (CLFF) producers, operate in the Mid-Atlantic region, and support historically underserved communities. Additional requirements include administrative capacity to manage grant funds, compliance experience with grant reporting, and a history of infrastructure development for food aggregation and distribution. The grant program prioritizes infrastructure investment and supply chain coordination that promote local procurement and economic resilience. Funding can be used for construction of aggregation facilities, purchasing equipment such as refrigerated trucks and storage, staffing and logistics, technology systems, and marketing. Program alignment with the county’s Climate Action Plan and High Road Economic Inclusion Framework is essential, as the program advances sustainable food systems and economic inclusion goals. The application process includes two stages. Stage One evaluates organizational eligibility, and applications must be completed and submitted by February 20, 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to Stage Two, anticipated to open March 20, 2026, where fit and alignment with program objectives will be assessed in greater detail. Applications must be submitted via the Euna (eCivis) Grants Platform. A virtual information session is scheduled for February 12, 2026. Award announcements are expected to follow Stage Two in April 2026, and the performance period will begin in late June 2026. Contact information is provided for both technical questions (OGM) and program-specific inquiries (OFSR). The full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), including submission details and timelines, is available on the Montgomery County Grants website. All program activities and funded services must take place within Montgomery County and be directed toward county residents. Grantees must be in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and are subject to standard County grant compliance and reporting requirements.

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