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NourishMD Grant Program
Industry-Specific · Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) · MD
The NourishMD Grant Program is a Maryland state grant from DHCD offering $25,000 to $150,000 to fresh-food retailers, farmers markets, and farm stands in areas lacking access to nutritious food. It's meant for Maryland businesses looking to open, stabilize, or expand fresh-food access in underserved communities.
The NourishMD Grant Program is a state grant offered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to support fresh-food retailers in communities that lack good access to nutritious food. The program is designed for fresh-food retailers, farmers markets, on-farm markets, and farm stands located in areas with a Fresh Food Gap Score of 60 or higher — a measure Maryland uses to identify neighborhoods underserved by grocery and fresh-food options.
Funding is provided as a cash grant ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, and can be used to open a new fresh-food business, stabilize an existing one, or expand operations in a qualifying area. Eligible uses include physical upgrades such as refrigeration equipment, point-of-sale technology, storage improvements, and general market infrastructure — the kinds of investments that help a small food retailer operate reliably and serve more customers.
For a small-business owner running or planning a grocery store, farmers market stall, farm stand, or similar fresh-food operation in Maryland, this program is worth investigating because it targets a specific, often under-capitalized niche: food access in underserved areas. Because it's a grant rather than a loan, funds generally do not need to be repaid, though applicants should confirm this and all other specifics directly with DHCD.
Deadlines are not fixed; the listing notes to check current application rounds. Given that program details, award amounts, and open rounds can change, business owners should confirm the latest eligibility rules and application windows at the official DHCD website before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a cash grant, not a loan, according to the funding instrument listed.
Do I have to repay the money?
As a grant, it generally does not require repayment, but confirm specific terms at the official DHCD source.
Who runs this program?
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers NourishMD.
Who is eligible to apply?
Fresh-food retailers, farmers markets, on-farm markets, and farm stands located in areas with a Fresh Food Gap Score of 60 or higher.
How much funding can I receive?
Grants range from $25,000 to $150,000.
What can the funds be used for?
Funds can support opening, stabilizing, or expanding a fresh-food business, including refrigeration, point-of-sale technology, storage, and market infrastructure.
What states are eligible?
Only businesses located in Maryland (MD) are eligible.
When is the deadline to apply?
The listing says to check current application rounds; there is no fixed deadline given.
Where do I apply?
Apply through the official DHCD page at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Business/Pages/NourishMD-Grant-Program.aspx.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Is this a state or federal program?
This is a state-level program run by Maryland DHCD.
What type of business does this target?
It targets industry-specific businesses in the fresh-food retail and farm market sector.
Do I need to be in a specific type of neighborhood?
Yes, your business location must have a Fresh Food Gap Score of 60 or higher.
Are award amounts guaranteed at the maximum level?
No, awards range from $25,000 to $150,000 depending on the application; confirm specifics at the source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.