The Mercer County Office of Food Security has extended the application deadline for three new grant programs aimed at reducing hunger and improving access to nutritious food for residents across the county.
Launched on April 1, the grants are part of a countywide initiative to support organizations working to combat food insecurity. The new deadline to apply for each program is now noon on April 22.
“In October 2024, we established the new Office of Food Security to direct funding to agencies, partners, and organizations that are dedicated to fighting hunger in Mercer County,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “These grants are an important step, prioritizing key initiatives that will use innovative tactics to drive down food insecurity.”
The three grant programs include:
Food Security Innovation Pilot Grant – A total of $200,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits pursuing technology-driven, consumer-focused strategies to improve food access, with an emphasis on eliminating food deserts.Mercer County Food Hub Pilot Grant – A $250,000 grant will be awarded to one nonprofit to support the creation of a centralized Food Hub. The facility will distribute fresh food and partner with social service providers to offer wraparound support services. The hub is designed to reduce duplication and better coordinate the work of food security organizations across the county.Produce, Meat, and Dairy Purchasing Pilot Grant – This $205,000 program will provide direct support to food pantries, nonprofits, and community groups for the purchase and distribution of fresh, nutrient-rich foods such as produce, meat, and dairy.
All three grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which aims to address systemic inequities in food access and mitigate the economic and public health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizations can find application details on the Mercer County website at mercercounty.org.
