FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County businesses that serve food can begin to apply for grants beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. County Executive Jan Gardner recently announced the $2 million Food Service Grants program to support restaurants and other food service businesses, which have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Grants will be awarded in two categories. The first category includes commercially located bakeries and caterers, carry-out restaurants that have no seating, and food trucks. The second group includes restaurants without drive-thrus, and wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The amount of each grant will be determined by the number of establishments that apply. All eligible businesses in a given category will receive the same amount of funding.
To be eligible, the business must be located in Frederick County; be in good standing with the County and the State of Maryland; and possess a current food license from the Frederick County Health Department, or in the case of craft beverage manufacturers, possess a liquor license from the Frederick County Liquor Board. If the business previously received a Jump Start grant, all documentation for that grant must be received before applying for a Food Service grant.
Grant funds can be used to pay for:
- Working capital, such as rent, payroll, and job training
- Purchase of equipment and services to expand outdoor dining, such as tents, heaters, warmers, and carts
- Infrastructure improvements, such as HVAC system upgrades
- Technology to support carryout and delivery
- Purchase of PPE and disposable food containers and utensils
- Sanitization services
To apply or to find additional details, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FoodServiceGrants. Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23. Questions about the grant program can be emailed to the Office of Economic Development at OED@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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