2026 Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program
Re-Opens Feb. 20
 

The Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program (DGI/FSFSP) is back for 2026 with $700K in available funding! The goal 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.

DSB will hold a webinar on Feb. 18th at 12:30 p.m. Changes to this year’s Delaware Grocery Initiative include increased funding, a scaled funding model similar to what was used for the Fall 2025 EDGE Grant Competition, and an improved online portal for applying. Registration is required.
 

Register at this link:

Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program Webinar Registration Link

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
   

Timeline:

• Application window opens – Feb. 20, 2026
• Application Due Date – completed applications must be submitted electronically by 4:30 p.m. on March 20, 2026.
• Awardees Notified – late April, 2026
• Awardees Publicly Announced – Week of May 18, 2026
   

Accessing the Application:

To access the application, DSB first requires you to first create an account in the Division of Small Business Portal. This will speed up the disbursement of funding should you be selected as an awardee. Once you have created your account, you will be able to access the application.

You can create an account by clicking on the link directly below…it will take you to the DSB Small Business Portal.
 

Access the DSB Small Business Portal:

DSB Small Business Portal

Submitting Your Application:

Applications are due 4:30 p.m. on March 20, 2026. You must submit your application with all required documentation through the online application. No documents will be accepted via email.

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 (The Council), 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.
 

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