Office of Food Security Request for Proposals for Mercer County Food Access Navigation Grant 2026

Mercer County seeks to support one eligible nonprofit organization in strengthening access and agency for residents experiencing food insecurity affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing and promoting an existing website that helps users locate nearby free food assistance programs. Through this grant program, up to $50,000 in total funding will be awarded to one eligible agency for the contract period of July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

Funding will support user interface enhancements to, and expanded resident engagement with, an existing free food locator website designed to help community members experiencing food insecurity access free food distribution sites throughout Mercer County.

This project responds to the increased food insecurity and service navigation challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Particularly, residents in high-needs area often face challenges identifying available food resources in real time, including gaps in information related to location, hours, and availability of services. By improving accessibility, usability, and awareness of free food distribution resources, the initiative aims to reduce barriers for households disproportionately impacted by the pandemic-related economic hardships.