Baltimore has launched a new grant program aimed at increasing access to healthy food in neighborhoods with limited grocery options, though questions remain about the program’s funding and overall impact. On October 5, Mayor Brandon Scott signed the Community Healthy Food Access Act into law, establishing the program under the Baltimore Department of Planning’s Food Policy and Planning Division. The program offers grants of up to $250,000 for grocery stores and other community food retailers that operate in or near designated Healthy Food Priority Areas.

For fiscal year 2027, the department has budgeted $175,088 from the general fund for the grants, and the Baltimore Development Corporation has contributed an additional $250,000. However, the Department of Finance has indicated in a letter to the City Council that the legislation does not specify a long-term funding source. While Finance anticipates potential funding from private organizations, any further city funding would need to be requested through the annual budget process.

The grant program targets a variety of retailers, including grocery stores, small-box grocers, food cooperatives, farmers markets, and mobile food vendors. To qualify, businesses must accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits and stock staple items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, and whole grains. Mayor Scott emphasized that the program encourages even small corner stores to offer healthier options instead of processed snacks.

Eligible retailers can receive grants of up to $250,000 for small-box and community retailers, and up to $100,000 for full-size grocery stores. Businesses that enter into community benefit agreements may qualify for up to 25 percent more in funding. The legislation prioritizes minority- and women-owned businesses, worker cooperatives, community-based enterprises, businesses that provide culturally relevant foods, and those operating during nontraditional hours.

Council member Phylicia Porter, sponsor of the legislation, described the program as putting “real dollars” behind efforts to improve food access and cited health concerns linked to processed foods in the community. Porter also noted that the program broadens the types of organizations eligible for support and helps cover costs such as equipment and technology needed to accept SNAP and WIC benefits.

Despite support for the initiative, some experts caution that the grants alone may not address the broader challenges facing grocery retailers in underserved neighborhoods. Richard Clinch, executive director of the University of Baltimore’s Jacob France Institute, pointed out that stores in food deserts often face additional expenses such as theft prevention and that the city’s flat population growth and national retail struggles reduce the attractiveness of opening stores in these areas. Clinch suggested that a $250,000 grant may be insufficient to attract new grocery stores.

Research also indicates that food access is influenced by factors beyond proximity to markets. A 2020 U.S. Department of Transportation study found that 77 percent of Baltimore residents did not shop at their nearest grocery store, underscoring the importance of selection and variety. Meanwhile, a 2017 Johns Hopkins-led study showed that targeted efforts—including healthier-stock introduction and price incentives—could improve the availability and sales of healthy foods in smaller stores.

Baltimore currently offers additional incentives to encourage grocery store development through its Grocery Store Tax Credit, which provides eligible stores with an 80 percent personal property tax credit on qualifying equipment for up to 10 years. This credit applies in designated areas that qualify as food deserts or are adjacent to them. The new grant program would provide another incentive but is initially funded at levels below the maximum grants authorized.

Porter said the program could begin accepting applications in early 2027 as the city continues to seek strategies to enhance food access in underserved communities.