FREDERICK, MD – June 24, 2026: Individuals and families across Frederick County will have increased access to food, thanks to a second and final round of Food Equity and Emergency Distribution (FEED) Grants totaling $500,000. The grants will help 19 nonprofits, including food banks, pantries, nonprofits, and religious organizations, to meet the increased demand for food services caused by the recent federal government shutdown.
“These grants help ensure that no one in Frederick County goes hungry,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. The Frederick FEED Grant Program directly supports nonprofits on the front lines, helping them expand food distribution, purchase necessary equipment, and meet the growing demand for food assistance in our community.”
The FEED Grant Program was launched in November by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and administered in partnership with The Community Foundation of Frederick County. The initiative used one-time funds to strengthen food distribution efforts. Eligible uses included buying food, obtaining essential supplies, and making capital investments such as refrigeration and storage equipment.
“The need in our community hasn’t slowed, and neither has our commitment,” said Betsy Day, President and CEO of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. “Through our continued partnership with Frederick County Government, this second round of grants ensures local organizations can sustain their vital work and respond to the challenges our neighbors are facing right now.”
Organizations receiving grants represent a diverse range of programs and services:
- Andrea’s House Inc. – Food distribution to support household stability and ongoing recovery.
- Asian American Center of Frederick – Commercial refrigeration and food that supports expanded culturally appropriate food distribution for low-income households and homebound seniors along the Golden Mile.
- Blessings in a Backpack, Frederick Chapter – Weekend backpack meals for food-insecure children attending Frederick County Public Schools.
- Brunswick Ecumenical Assistance Committee on Needs (BEACON) – Improved access to essential food and related items.
- Centro Hispano de Frederick – Expanded food access for families across Frederick.
- City Youth Matrix – Meals for clients participating in programs.
- Emmanuel Trinity Lutheran Church – Food distribution services.
- Farm to School Frederick Inc. – Veggie Van mobile markets to increase healthy food access.
- Frederick Community College Foundation – Access to nutritious food for students experiencing food insecurity.
- Goodwill Industries – Food to support warm meals and food pantry access through Fellowship Friday gatherings.
- Helping Hands and Caring Hearts – Food to sustain and expand hunger relief efforts.
- Hood College – Expansion of year-round hydroponic garden systems and to expand year-round fresh vegetables.
- Maryland Food Bank – Food distribution for community partners, increasing access, choice, and variety of food options.
- Middletown United Methodist Church – Weekend meals for school-aged children.
- Seton Center – Essential, nutritious food for northern Frederick County families.
- Steadfast – Standing Firm Against Youth Homelessness, Inc – Purchase food service equipment.
- Supporting Older Adults through Resources Inc. (SOAR) – Grocery delivery to homebound low-income seniors.
- The Salvation Army – Replacement of equipment that supports safe and efficient meal preparation.
- YMCA of Frederick County – Purchase of kitchen equipment, supporting expanded meal service for children.
The Community Foundation’s searchable grants table provides information about fiscal year 2026 grants, including the organization being awarded and the project being supported. View the grants table at www.FrederickCountyGives.org/Awarded-Grants.
As a leader in grant and scholarship funding, The Community Foundation of Frederick County has given back more than $111 million to the community since 1986. To learn more about how the Community Foundation impacts Frederick County, visit www.FrederickCountyGives.org.