Food Service Grant program aims to assist Frederick County restaurants whose operations have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner recently announced a $2 million Food Service Grants program to support restaurants and other foodservice businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local businesses that serve food can begin to apply for grants beginning at 8:00 am on Friday, November 13.
Grants will be awarded in two categories. The first category includes commercially located bakeries and caterers, carry-out restaurants with no seating, and food trucks. The second group includes restaurants without drive-thrus, along with 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.
As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that the state will provide county governments with a total of $50 million to support direct aid to local restaurants and foodservice businesses. Counties must allocate all funds by December 31, 2020.
According to a County press release:
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.
