FREDERICK, MD – February 3, 2026: Families across Frederick County will have increased access to nutritious meals through $500,000 in Food Equity and Emergency Distribution (FEED) grants. The grants will help 19 nonprofits, including food banks, pantries and religious organizations, to meet the increased demand for food services caused by the federal government shutdown in the fall of 2025.
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 uses one-time funds to strengthen food distribution efforts. Eligible uses include buying food, essential supplies, and investments such as refrigeration and storage equipment.
“No person should go hungry in our community,” Executive Fitzwater said. “These grants will help people from all corners of Frederick County, from Middletown and Brunswick to Emmitsburg and Thurmont. We are committed to supporting organizations that are on the front lines of fighting food insecurity.”
“The Community Foundation is proud to partner with Frederick County Government on this critical initiative,” said Betsy Day, President and CEO of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. “These grants will help local organizations continue their vital work and expand services to meet the growing needs of our neighbors during this challenging time.”
Organizations receiving grants represent a diverse range of programs and services:
Andrea’s House Inc. – To support food costs for the Basic Needs Assistance Program.
Asbury United Methodist Church – To purchase a gas range, fryer, freezer and food.
Asian American Center of Frederick – To purchase food and to expand food distribution along the Golden Mile.
Blessings in a Backpack, Frederick Chapter – To support the weekend backpack program for children attending Frederick County Public Schools.
Brunswick Ecumenical Assistance Committee on Needs (BEACON) – To purchase essential food items for distribution at the Brunswick Food Bank.
Farm to School Frederick Inc. – To support the Frederick Veggie Van as it provides access to healthy food at mobile markets.
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry – To pay for the processing of deer and livestock distributed to food banks and ministries.
Glade Valley Community Services – To support the Glade Valley Community Service Food Bank.
Golden Mile Alliance – To support the hot meal program at Hillcrest Elementary School during spring break.
Helping Hands and Caring Hearts – To provide food and hygiene supplies.
I Believe In Me Inc. – To provide meals for students and families.
Maryland Food Bank – To purchase food at wholesale rates to distribute to food banks in Frederick, Maryland.
Middletown Valley Food Bank – To purchase refrigeration equipment and food.
Safe Ride Foundation – To support a transportation program that helps people access food.
Seton Center – To purchase food for the Feeding Hungry Families program.
The Salvation Army – To upgrade equipment, improve food safety and provide meals at the Salvation Army Day Center.
Thurmont Ministerium – To support food programs including purchasing equipment.
Wells Recovery – To support food distribution at Wells Recovery.
YMCA of Frederick County – To support the YMCA’s community produce market.
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.