Florida Blue Foundation – Food Security Grant Program (2026)
Multi-Year Funding for Food Access and “Food Is Medicine” Programs in Florida
Organization: Florida Blue Foundation
Support Type: Multi-year program grants
Geographic Focus: Florida
About the Funder
The Florida Blue Foundation is dedicated to improving health outcomes across Florida by addressing key social determinants of health. Through its community investment strategy, the foundation focuses on food security, mental well-being, healthy communities, and reducing health disparities.
The Food Security Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations that provide sustainable solutions to food insecurity while improving long-term health outcomes for vulnerable populations across Florida.
What This Program Supports
The 2026 grant cycle focuses specifically on Food Security initiatives that improve access to healthy, nutritious food and address food insecurity as a major driver of health outcomes.
Florida Blue Foundation will invest approximately $3.2 million through this program, supporting multi-year initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in food access and community health.
Two funding tracks are available.
Transforming Health Through Food
Programs that apply “Food Is Medicine” approaches to improve health outcomes and prevent chronic disease.
Examples include:
- Nutrition prescription programs
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Programs connecting healthcare providers with food access services
- Partnerships between healthcare providers, food banks, grocery stores, and community organizations
- Programs distributing fresh produce and healthy food to improve health outcomes
Growing Access, Growing Capacity
Programs that increase access to nutritious food in underserved communities while strengthening local food systems.
Examples include:
- Food banks and food distribution programs
- Mobile food markets or delivery services
- Community food pantries
- Urban agriculture initiatives
- Programs addressing food deserts
- Collaborative community solutions that expand food access
Funding may also support operational capacity to help organizations scale and sustain their food security initiatives.
Eligible Support Types
Funding may support programmatic costs including:
- Salaries and benefits
- Employee training
- Program materials and equipment
- Technology and digital platforms
- Educational resources and printing
- Program-related travel
- Rental fees for program activities
- Indirect costs (up to 10% of the total grant amount)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants may include:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Public agencies
- Universities and colleges
- Community centers
- Schools
- Healthcare-related organizations
- Faith-based institutions
Applicants must:
- Be incorporated in Florida
- Have operated for at least three years since receiving 501(c)(3) status
- Demonstrate expertise in delivering food security or nutrition-related programs
- Show capacity to reach targeted vulnerable populations
Special Considerations
Additional consideration may be given to organizations that:
- Serve specific high-need ZIP codes: 32206, 32805, 33612/33613, 33142, and 33311, as well as Florida’s rural counties
- Integrate AI-powered technologies (such as predictive analytics or chatbots) to improve food access, service delivery, or program efficiency
Funding Amounts
Florida Blue Foundation is offering four-year grants.
Total funding per project:
- $300,000 – $400,000 over four years
- Approximately $75,000 – $100,000 per year
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Opens: March 4, 2026
⏰ Application Deadline: April 22, 2026 (3:00 PM ET)
📩 Funding Decisions Announced: August 2026
📅 Grantee Orientation: August–September 2026
Grant agreements will begin in August 2026, with program implementation expected to start in September 2026.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their proposals through the Florida Blue Foundation’s online grant management system.
Applicants are required to:
- Watch the program’s informational webinar prior to applying
- Complete the Program Milestone document outlining program goals and outcomes
- Submit a detailed budget matrix and narrative
- Provide financial documentation including audited financial statements and IRS Form 990
- Upload a Florida Solicitation of Contributions Certificate (or exemption letter)
Selected grantees must also participate in:
- Annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards events
- Cohort and individual grantee orientation sessions
- Ongoing program evaluation and reporting
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.floridablue.com/foundation/community-investments
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is ideal for organizations that:
- Address food insecurity and nutrition access in Florida
- Implement Food Is Medicine programs that improve health outcomes
- Operate food distribution or community food systems initiatives
- Work with vulnerable populations including children, families, and seniors
- Have the capacity to implement multi-year, measurable programs
With substantial multi-year funding and a strong focus on measurable outcomes, the Florida Blue Foundation Food Security program is one of the largest food-access funding opportunities available to nonprofits in Florida.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive grant cycle
Typical Lead Time: Apply several months before program start
Best Suited For: Florida nonprofits addressing food insecurity, nutrition access, and food-as-medicine initiatives.
