Community Foundation announces Feeding Our Neighbors Fund backed by $250,000 Henson Foundation gift

Pictured left to right: Erica Joseph, Community Foundation President; Stacey McMichael Richard A. Henson Foundation Executive Director; Stephen Farrow, Richard A. Henson Foundation Trustee.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) and the Richard A. Henson Foundation have announced the launch of the Feeding Our Neighbors Fund, a rapid-response funding initiative supporting nonprofit organizations that provide direct meal assistance or food/groceries in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties. The program is made possible through a $250,000 gift from the Richard A. Henson Foundation with grants administered by the Community Foundation.

With ongoing economic challenges, reductions in food assistance benefits, and the recurring rise in local need during the winter months, many households across the Lower Shore are facing increased food insecurity. The Feeding Our Neighbors grant program will support organizations responding to these urgent needs while also reinforcing long-term stability in meal access.

“For 35 years, The Richard A. Henson Foundation has stepped up to respond to local needs and honor Mr. Henson’s priorities,” said Stacey McMichael, executive director of the Richard A. Henson Foundation. With the rising demand for food resources in our region, the Trustees and I knew it was not the time to wait, but to act. The Community Foundation has been able to help us realize this vision and we are thankful that many will benefit from the Feeding Our Neighbors Fund.”

Within hours of the program opening, the Community Foundation saw a surge in grant applications, validating the significant regional need. Grant awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000, with applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Eligible programs include food pantries and soup kitchens, including school or university pantries; prepared meals offered as part of programming such as after-school or transitional housing programs; meal deliveries and homebound meal services; and shelter or community meal programs.

“Food insecurity is not a short-term issue, and meeting this need requires both immediate relief and stability for the organizations doing the work,” Community Foundation President Erica Joseph said. “By directing funding to existing programs with strong community roots, we are helping sustain the nonprofit infrastructure that families rely on every day. This program supports the here-and-now while also reinforcing the systems that will continue to nourish our community into the future.”

To learn more or apply to the grant program, visit CFES.org/grants. To support this initiative, visit CFES.org/donate.