Frederick Food Security Network Awarded $29,859 Grant to Expand Year-Round Fresh Food Production for Frederick Residents

The Frederick Food Security Network (FFSN) has been awarded a $29,859 grant from the Frederick County Community Foundation to support the expansion of year-round hydroponic food production at the Scott Key Center Greenhouses, expanding the production and distribution of year-round fresh vegetables for Frederick County residents.

The grant-funded Food Equity and Emergency Distribution (FEED) initiative will expand the greenhouses from a small experimental hydroponic system to a 200-unit Dutch Bucket system capable of producing vine crops such as tomatoes, peppers and leafy greens. The project is currently underway and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31.

The expanded facility will increase the availability of fresh vegetables for Frederick County residents, particularly during the winter months when traditional soil-based gardens are dormant. FFSN also plans to expand distribution to additional community partners while continuing to supply seedlings to organizations across the local food security network.

Hood College students involved with the FFSN will gain hands-on experience with urban food systems through the initiative, including opportunities to grow and distribute fresh produce to Frederick City residents. The project provides students with practical experience addressing food access and sustainability while contributing to the health and well-being of the local community.

“This project creates an important connection between experiential learning and community impact,” said Haroun Hallack, Frederick Food Security Network manager. “Our students have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice while helping expand access to fresh, locally grown food for Frederick residents.”

The initiative is part of FFSN’s ongoing work to strengthen the local food system and support year-round food production and distribution throughout Frederick County.

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