28 organizations awarded Delaware Grocery Initiative grants to combat food insecurity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 27, 2026
Contact: Joe Edelen (302) 743-7013

DOVER – Today, Senator Darius Brown and Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha announced that 28 organizations, Delaware farmers, and grocery and market retailers have been awarded Delaware Grocery Initiative grants during the Spring 2026 cycle, with more than $700,000 distributed to help strengthen food access and combat food insecurity in the First State.

Created through legislation led by Senator Brown and Rep. Chukwuocha in 2024, the Delaware Grocery Initiative strives to improve access to healthy foods and provide financial assistance to areas that are food insecure or at risk of becoming a food desert.

“Too many of our neighbors struggle with finding reliable access to healthy foods, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that every community in our State has avenues to nourishing food that supports their dignity, health, and opportunity,” said Senator Darius Brown. “This round of Delaware Grocery Initiative grant funding is essential, providing much-needed financial support to organizations throughout our State who work to eradicate food deserts, increase healthy food distribution and production, and ensure that all Delawareans can prioritize their well-being.”

These grant funds will expand access to fresh and healthy food in all three Delaware counties through initiatives that increase availability in food deserts, specifically in the City of Wilmington and Kent and Sussex Counties; invest in storage and refrigeration systems throughout the state; expand food distribution infrastructure and supply chain capacity; grow home delivery programs for seniors, veterans, and underserved families; and support local farmers, community hubs, and food pantries.

“The Delaware Grocery Initiative continues to demonstrate what is possible when state leaders, community organizations, and food system partners work together toward a common goal,” said Division of Small Business Director CJ Bell. “We appreciate Senator Brown’s leadership in helping establish this program and creating long-term support for projects that improve food access across Delaware.” 

“Growing up in Wilmington, I understand firsthand how hard it is to live in a food desert,” said Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha. “Access to fresh, healthy food should be a right, not a privilege. And in the less than 2 years since the legislation creating the Delaware Grocery Initiative was signed into law, we have been able to distribute nearly $1 million to community-based organizations up and down the state dedicated to ensuring that every Delawarean, regardless of their income, location, or transportation, can eat a nutritious diet. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has had a hand in making this program a success, it is changing lives.” 

The following organizations received grant funds during the Spring 2026 cycle: 

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