New grant program connects Maryland food banks with local farmers

MARYLAND – $200,000 in grant funding is now available through a new program by The Maryland Department of Agriculture.  The goal is to connect local food banks and farmers to feed food insecure communities statewide.

It’s the Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism (MFARM) grant program.

Food banks and other emergency food providers can apply for a minimum of $5,000. They’ll be able to purchase food from farmer’s a part of the Certified Local Farm and Fish program. “The farmers are certified because they have voluntary signed to be a part of the directory and they have a nutrient management plan,” Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Karen Fedor said.

“Our farmers are growing food every single day and we’re very appreciative of the work they do.”

The deadline to apply is September 30th. To find out more details or to apply click here