Feed the Need Applications are Open for Local Farmers

Posted: June 25, 2020

Business Development

HAGERSTOWN, MD (June 25, 2020) – The Washington County Department of Business Development announces the Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture Feed the Need grant applications are open.

The Future Harvest Feed the Need Fund was created to help farmers weather market changes caused by the pandemic and to help address hunger by providing food access in a variety of ways to communities in our region. Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture will award cash mini-grants to farmers, ranging from $500-$5,000. In light of their renewed commitment to stand for racial equity, we commit to 50% of these awards going to Black, Indigenous, and other farmers of color. From activities like sliding scales on CSA orders and home deliveries to providing produce to local food banks and pantries, grant award recipients will have the flexibility to participate in this effort using the tools and means that work best for you to help others.

ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS

Eligible applicants are vegetable, fruit, meat, and dairy producers in Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, West Virginia, or Delaware. Again, Future Harvest commits to providing a minimum of 50% of their mini-grants to Black, Indigenous, and other farmers of color. Priority also will be given to Future Harvest members.

The online grant application is easy to complete with a few detailed questions to help ensure that Future Harvest is awarding producers with the greatest needs and that can provide food to those in need.

Cash mini-grants, ranging from $500-$5,000, will be awarded this summer.
Farmers are eligible for grant funds if able to deliver produce to those in need at retail value. A one-time delivery cost of up to $75 can be included.
Farmers will need to provide market-quality products and document how many pounds of what type of product you deliver when and to which organizations, individuals and in what geographic area. (A form to fill out will be provided to grant awardees.)
A review committee composed of Future Harvest Board members, staff and farmers will review and select awardees.

Applications due July 15, 2020