They will be used to help ease food insecurity.
Frederick, Md (KM) 19 organizations in Frederick County, including food banks, pantries and religious organizations, are receiving Food Equity and Emergency Distribution Grants to help residents who experiencing food insecurity.
Betsy Day, the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Frederick County, says the FEED program was launched last year in partnership with the county. She says it took place during the federal government shutdown. “Frederick County government awarded $1 million to the Community Foundation of Frederick County in grants to area non-profit organizations to help them address the needs of our residents who are experience food insecurity,” she said.
The federal government shutdown ended months ago, but Day says the affects are still being felt by some residents. “What happens then continues to ripple out. Existing resources are at that time were stretched to the max. Even though there’s no longer a shutdown, insecurity still occurs,” she says.
Following the launch of the FEED program, applications were solicited from non-profits and religious organizations. “And then we recruited volunteers from throughout the county. We had representation from north county, south county, east and west. And these volunteers reviewed applications; and spent time, not just reading the applications, but also meeting in person to deliberate and discuss each application in depth,” says Day.
The 19 non-profits which received grants are:
Andrea’s House Inc. – Food for residents.
Asbury United Methodist Church – Gas range, fryer, reach-in freezer and food for community.
Asian American Center of Frederick – Food purchases to expand distribution 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) – Essential food items for the Brunswick Food Bank.
Farm to School Frederick Inc. – Veggie Van mobile markets to increase healthy food access.
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry – Processing costs for deer and livestock to supply local food banks and food ministries.
Glade Valley Community Services – Support for the Glade Valley Food Bank.
Golden Mile Alliance – Hot meal program for students during spring break at Hillcrest Elementary.
Helping Hands and Caring Hearts – Food and hygiene supplies for vulnerable populations.
I Believe In Me Inc. – Student and family meals, and food distributions.
Maryland Food Bank – Wholesale food purchases for distribution to food programs in Frederick County.
Middletown Valley Food Bank – Refrigeration equipment and food purchases to support local families.
Safe Ride Foundation – Transportation program to help residents access food resources.
The Salvation Army – Upgrades to equipment, food safety improvements, and ensuring reliable meals and hydration at the Frederick Day Shelter.
Seton Center – Feeding Hungry Families program to purchase food for those in need.
Thurmont Ministerium – Capital improvements for food storage, including outdoor shed and refrigeration and freezer units.
Wells Recovery – Food distribution for individuals in recovery programs.
YMCA of Frederick County – Community produce market to provide fresh fruits and vegetables.
These one-time grants can be used for food distribution efforts, including buying food, essential supplies and investments in refrigeration and storage.
Days says a second round of applications for grants totaling $500,000 will open later in 2026..
She says food insecurity is a problem even in an area which is considered prosperous. “Food prices are increasing. Many households are having to make hard choices between buying food and buying medications; or paying for heat and fuel or buying food. It’s really a tough situation for many of households out there right now,” she says.
This $1 million put forward by the County is taxpayer money, and Day says she doesn’t forget that. “This is taxpayer dollars and we took this very, very seriously knowing that this is taxpayer money, and that we have a great responsibility to the taxpayer out there,” she said.
By Kevin McManus