The Delaware Grocery Initiative and
First State Food System Program

28 Organizations Awarded $700,000 for Cycle 5 – May 2026

Read our Press Release 

Description of Recipient Projects’ 

Program Description – The goal of the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program is to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts in Delaware and areas at risk of becoming food deserts, by providing grants and other forms of financial assistance to eligible food businesses and organizations, to Delaware farmers; small, community and independent grocery retailers offering culturally diverse foods; food banks; food pantries; and other food supply chain businesses and organizations. Awarded funds may be used to support operations, capital expenses, equipment purchases, and other projects that expand supply chain capacity and strengthen collaboration among community partners.

Changes to the 2026 Program included increased funding ($700,000 total), a scaled funding model similar to what was used for the Fall 2025 EDGE Grant Competition, and an improved online portal for applying. 
 
 Eligible Businesses and Operations Include:

• Farmers/Food Producers: producing for supply – fruits, vegetables, animal proteins, or other food products
• Retailers: independently owned grocery stores, cooperative groceries, neighborhood markets, corner stores, restaurants, farmers markets, on-farm stores, food trucks, or farm stands 
• Other Food Distributors: food pantries, food closets, faith-based organizations, soup kitchens
• Storage: food aggregation facilities, food refrigeration or freezers 
• Transportation: pickup and delivery of food products
• Processing: commercial kitchens, food prep facilities, food washing or cutting facilities

About the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program:

The DGI/FSFSP is a partnership between the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (link opens in new window), and Senator Darius Brown (D – New Castle, Wilmington, Edgemoor). The FSFSP originated under The Council and was adopted through legislation sponsored by Senator Brown in 2024, establishing the DGI.
 

 Read about past programs and projects of the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program.