MoCo Takes Applications For Food Provider Infrastructure Grants

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Montgomery County is now taking applications for grants that help nonprofit food assistance programs offer resources to hard-to-reach communities affected by the new coronavirus.

The Food Assistance Provider Capacity Building Grant program is intended to help food banks and similar nonprofits improve their infrastructure and provide food to more people who need it.

The program is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and offers a total of $1 million for the county to disperse. Each qualifying nonprofit can receive up to $85,000.

Applications will be accepted until noon on Aug. 3, and funds will be distributed on Aug. 13.

In a news release, Montgomery County stated applications will be reviewed based on requests that prioritize storage, transportation, technology and an organization's goal to increase capacity and feed more households.

The release states special consideration is given to organizations that form partnerships to serve the community.

Applications are to be reviewed by the county's Food Security Task Force, which comes through the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Money will be awarded by the Healthcare Initiative Foundation.

Applications should be submitted via the Healthcare Initiative Foundation's website. Those without internet access, or those needing applications in languages other than English, can email Jess.Fuchs@hifmc.org.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the county has addressed hunger through its Food Security Task Force. The county also partnered with the Community Foundation to launch a funding program that supports organizations working to take on hunger in the county.