The Mercer County Office of Food Security has extended the deadline for nonprofits to apply for food security grants until April 22. The extension aims to help organizations working to overcome barriers that prevent county residents from accessing a consistent diet of nutritious food.
There are three specific grant programs available. The Food Security Innovation Pilot Grant offers $200,000 for eligible nonprofits to introduce innovative, technology-driven, and consumer-focused strategies to improve food access, particularly targeting food deserts.
The Mercer County Food Hub Pilot Grant will award $250,000 to a single nonprofit. This grant supports the establishment of a Food Hub, which will centralize the distribution of fresh, nutritious foods while collaborating with social service providers to offer wrap-around services to residents. The Food Hub aims to enhance efficiency by reducing duplicative efforts and coordinating the activities of food security nonprofits in the county.
The Produce, Meat, and Dairy Purchasing Pilot Grant provides $205,000 in direct financial assistance to established food pantries, nonprofits, and community organizations. This grant helps purchase and distribute essential fresh, nutrient-rich foods to residents in need.
All proposals for these grants must be submitted by noon on April 22. Detailed information for submitting proposals is available on the County's website.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson stated that the Office of Food Security was founded in October last year to allocate funding to agencies and organizations focused on combating hunger in Mercer County. The grants are funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
