Food Security Grant Application is Open

Grants available from the Florida Blue Foundation

Application for the Florida Blue Foundation 2024 Food Security grant program is now open! The deadline to submit an application is May 6 before 3:00 p.m. ET.

Florida Blue Foundation’s programs are focused on improving health equity by impacting food security, advancing mental well-being, growing healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. This funding opportunity is focused on Food Security.

The goal is to improve access to affordable, healthy, and nutritional foods for vulnerable populations who live in food insecure communities.

The Foundation seeks to fund programs that support vulnerable populations who struggle to afford and access healthy and nutritious foods. We aim to improve food security for these communities and promote healthier choices. Research has shown that when people have reliable access to fresh, local foods, they are more likely to make healthier choices, leading to better health outcomes.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA ERS), the household food insecurity rate in the United States has increased to 12.8% in 2022, affecting 17 million households nationwide. This is a significant increase from 2021’s rate of 10.2% and 2020’s rate of 3.9%. In Florida alone, 1 in 9 people (equivalent to 2,314,370 individuals) face hunger, with 1 in 6 of them being children (equivalent to 613,180 children).

It is essential to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food in order to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. The USDA ERS defines food security as having consistent access to enough food for an active and healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, food insecurity is a prevalent issue in all communities, with rural areas being particularly affected due to factors such as poverty, lack of transportation, unemployment, and high cost of living. The consequences of food insecurity can be severe, negatively impacting people’s health and well-being.

Florida Blue Foundation will provide four-year grants to nonprofit organizations that have documented expertise and experience in addressing food insecurity. Programs should support equitable access to healthy food and program services and should focus on moving underserved or marginalized communities from food insecurity to food security.

2024 Food Security Funding Priority

Florida Blue Foundation’s overall goal is to move families, children, individuals, and communities from food insecurity to food security.

Priority: Improving Access to Healthy Food

Food insecurity and the lack of access to affordable, nutritious food are linked to a higher risk of chronic health conditions. Conversely, access to fresh food plays a critical role in promoting healthier choices and improving overall health outcomes within communities. This program is dedicated to improving access to healthy foods and developing self-sufficiency by creating sustainable solutions to enhance food security. Programs should incorporate a strong nutrition education component to address health risks associated with food insecurity.

Special Note

When completing the on-line application, please keep in mind that Florida Blue Foundation is looking for nonprofit charitable organizations to propose proven services that will be implemented to serve primarily underserved, underinsured, and low-income individuals in Florida and to reach more individuals in rural communities. Priority will be given to organizations that provide services in the following ZIP codes: 32206, 32805, 33612/33613, 33142, and 33311 plus Florida’s rural counties – reference the Florida Department of Health map of rural counties provided in the Details section of the application portal and the Important Information and Attachments sections of the application (with the Program Milestone Document information).

Eligible Applicants Nonprofit

501(c)(3) charitable organizations, public agencies, universities, colleges, training centers, community centers, schools, health care-related facilities, faith-based institutions, and others that:
1. Are incorporated in Florida
2. Have the capacity, expertise, resources, knowledge in the field, and time needed to carry out the intent of the program
3. Have expertise in delivering educational and awareness programs on targeted topics to targeted populations described in this application
4. Have expertise in developing and managing programs.
5. Have the capability to reach target populations described under this application.

Completing the Application

The Program Milestone Document is available to be downloaded. The completed Program Milestone Document is to be uploaded to the application as an attachment. Basic information – name of organization, program title, amount requested, etc. – will be requested within the application. Program objectives, tasks, expected outcomes/results, and other details will be captured within the Program Milestone Document. The information within the Program Milestone Document will then be the basis for all reporting for the programs selected for funding.

CLICK HERE to access the online application for the Food Security grant program. Watch the application informational webinar. Details, FAQs, and link to application portal can be found here.

To learn more about the Florida Blue Foundation, visit www.floridablue.com/foundation.