Maryland RHTP Pillar 3 – Empower Rural Marylanders to Eat for Health

Summary

This grant opportunity supports the creation and expansion of food system aggregation and hubs and promotes local foods purchasing strategies to advance dietary health for rural Marylanders. Funding is provided under the Maryland RHTP (Pillar 3), emphasizing regional coordination, infrastructure, and healthy food distribution in rural Maryland communities.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include rural-serving nonprofit organizations involved in statewide/regional planning; agricultural or forestry education; economic/community development; and community colleges that provide training or technical assistance supporting agricultural and small businesses. Local Health Departments, Rural Health Collaboratives, primary care providers, and other rural health organizations engaged in food system or access projects may also be eligible.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must submit an application through the Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application portal (see URL in Application Prep metadata). Applicants are required to register and attend a pre-application conference on May 11, 2026. All applications must comply with the grant guidelines posted by the Rural Maryland Council and Maryland Department of Health. The process consists of an initial Letter of Intent submission due May 15, 2026. Full application details and required attachments will be provided to selected LOI applicants.