Montgomery County is putting fresh moves to connect local farms directly with big-time buyers like schools and hospitals. The county's new FY26 Food Aggregation Grant Program is dishing out $550,000 initially, to set up a local food aggregation facility to help small-scale farms up their game and meet the hefty purchase orders these institutions require. County Executive Marc Elrich spelled it out, saying, "Our region lacks this type of infrastructure, and having an aggregation facility locally will shorten supply chains, support family-owned farms, and put more nutritious food on the tables of our residents," as reported by the county's official website.
The program aims to also quickly become a four-year gig with a potential $1.6 million pot of gold in the long run. Local farmers can look forward to seeing their goods stored, shipped, and marketed, all while focusing on filling up kitchens across Montgomery County. Sinking their teeth into at least $250,000 to $500,000 annually, the program's success will depend on performance and available dollars.
Heather Bruskin, director of OFSR, backed the necessity of this move, mentioning, "This investment will help the regional food system respond to daily institutional needs while building long-term resilience and self-sufficiency," as noted by Montgomery County. The county homes more than 100 food producers itching to get a slice of the institutional market pie but often run into walls trying to get there solo.
Statewide, there's a push to get at least 20% of food in state institutions straight from local farms, but hitting these numbers has been tough. This new initiative wants to bridge gaps and create a steady flow between the local green thumbs and the big kitchens in need. Director of the County’s Office of Agriculture, Mike Scheffel, shared his take, saying, “Connecting local producers to reliable markets keeps more of our harvest and revenue close to home," while "improving access to fresh, nutritious food for schools, healthcare partners, and families," as per a report by the county's official website.
Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation’s heavy hitters pitched in too, with a sweet $300,000 toward that first-year grant. MARBIDCO’s head honcho, Steve McHenry, expressed excitement in helping Montgomery County's certified local farm enterprises get their produce out to the broader market. This program doesn't just bolster the regional economy, but also cleans up the air by clipping the miles food needs to travel. Gearing up for a crisis, this improved local food storage could be the lifeline in times of supply chain hiccups.
Looking to throw your hat in the ring? You better have the chops for the job, like dealing with institutional buyers, knowing your way around a food hub, and hauling in a mil in food sales over the last three years. Clear the first hurdle of getting your eligibility sorted, then prep for a deep dive into how you align with the program goals. Get a leg up by tuning into a virtual info session slated for today from noon to one. And if you're thinking of sending your application flying, there's a February 20 deadline. Catch all the details and get that application in over at the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management’s website, where they're teaming up with the OFSR to turn this plan into reality.
