(WASHINGTON, DC) – In a significant initiative to enhance food access across the District, DC Health has awarded $250,000 in grants to six organizations aimed at expanding local farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. This funding, part of the inaugural Farmers and Retail Market Support (FARMS) Grant, will provide each recipient with up to $50,000 to improve the availability of affordable, fresh foods in communities facing challenges related to healthy food access.
The FARMS Grant was established under the Farmers Market Support Amendment Act of 2025, which centralizes farmers market support within DC Health’s Community Health Administration. By streamlining market licensing and providing technical assistance, DC Health aims to make farmers’ markets more accessible and sustainable. This initiative aligns with the agency’s long-term goals of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption while reducing obesity rates in the District.
Farm retail outlets play a vital role in the District’s food ecosystem, particularly as nearly all accept federal nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC. Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director at DC Health, emphasized the importance of these markets, stating, “Every resident deserves access to fresh, healthy food close to home.” The funding not only promotes healthier choices for families but also supports local farmers and strengthens community ties.
The six organizations that received FARMS Grant funding include:
- Arcadia: Operating weekly mobile markets in Wards 2, 7, and 8
- Connected to Culture: Establishing a new farmers’ market in Ward 8
- Dreaming Out Loud: Expanding weekly farmers’ markets in Wards 7 and 8
- FRESHFARM Markets: Running six weekly farm stands with added outreach and programming
- Victual Solutions: Launching a farmers’ market in Ward 7 with vendor and farmer support
- Ward 8 Farmers’ Market: Operating a weekly market in St. Elizabeth’s with community partnerships
For residents interested in learning more about DC Health’s federal and local nutrition programs, additional information can be found at dchealth.dc.gov/nutrition.
Read the original article at dchealth