Many mobile markets utilize grants for initial startup costs, ongoing funding support, and specific program expenses. Available grants, eligibility criteria, and dates for submission are ever-changing. Below is a list of recommendations for how to find current grants that may be relevant to you and your organizations, from federal down to your specific region
Federal Grants:
Check out this USDA fact sheet and determine your place in the local food supply chain, then explore the funding opportunities that support each place in the chain.

Most mobile markets serve in the Aggregation/Distribution as well as Markets/Consumers columns, while markets that also grow their own food or train farmers may find opportunities in the Production or Processing column. 

Among these sources, mobile markets have commonly found success in sourcing funds from Local Food Promotion (USDA AMS), Farmers Market Promotion (USDA AMS), and Specialty Crop Block (USDA AMS) grants. Many are sub-awardees of Gus Shumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (USDA NIFA) grants, which specifically fund SNAP nutrition incentives or produce prescription programs. You can learn more about current GusNIP grantees and connect with one in your region by visiting the Nutrition Incentive Hub website

​Additionally, many mobile markets have been awarded funds for capital investment via the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (USDA RD). Check out the very helpful Grassroots Guide to Federal Farm and Food Programs from the
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition to explore even more resources for which you may be eligible
Community Foundations:
You likely have a community foundation that offers grants and programs to organizations serving your localities. Check out this site to locate an accredited community foundation near you.

​Funding opportunities from community foundations vary widely--you may be eligible for startup funds, vouchers for specific shoppers, infrastructure improvements, and more.

​We recommend contacting your local community foundation and building a relationship with the staff there so you can stay up to date on their work and share timely updates about your mobile market.
Healthcare Foundations:
From managed care organizations to hospital systems, healthcare agencies often have a vested interest in the work of mobile markets. Check with area nonprofit hospital systems and see if they have Community Grants or Community Benefit programs you can apply for.

You can also read any recent Community Health Needs Assessments (required to conduct every 3 years they have conducted to see if focus areas align with your work.

We have seen nonprofit hospitals provide grants for nutrition incentives, mobile market infrastructure, produce prescriptions,  and more.
Locality/Municipal funds:
Your town, city, county, or state may offer grants or line-item funds to support your work. The process is unique to each municipality, but you might start by searching for "outside agency funding” within your municipality.

​As mentioned previously, your awareness of these opportunities will improve greatly as you build personal relationships with your elected officials and community leaders. You can start by inviting them to your mobile market for a visit. 
Check out this link to learn more about engaging with local policymakers.
​Other sources to consider:
  • Local banks/credit unions
  • Private giving or microgrant groups
  • State/local Health and Agriculture departments
  • Corporate foundations (start with any corporations in your region and search for their foundations)
  • State/local food trust or food policy groups
  • This guide to “Good Food Funding” opportunities (As of the release of this toolkit page, was last updated September 2022)​

Grants and Fundraising

​How do you support your mobile market program? Will you utilize grants and sponsorships or rely solely on sales? How will you sustain the work that you do?

Make Your Case

Want more information about how to make your case about your mobile market? Do you need tips on how to seek donations and sponsorships?
Contact Website Support
This site is managed by the University at Buffalo's Community Health Intervention Lab