The Food Trust - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Grant Distribution: $926,330 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 26 awards (2023)
• Success Rate: ~36% (based on historical data)
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks for eligibility review
• Grant Range: $50,000 - $150,000 (PA FFFI program)
• Geographic Focus: Pennsylvania (primary), Massachusetts, Kansas
• Founded: 1992
• EIN: 23-2678383

Contact Details

Address: One Penn Center, 1617 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: (215) 575-0444

Website: https://thefoodtrust.org

General Email: contact@thefoodtrust.org

PA FFFI Program Email: pafffi@thefoodtrust.org

PA FFFI Program Phone: (215) 383-2192

Overview

The Food Trust is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1992 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The organization's mission is "delicious, nutritious food for all," driven by the belief that nutritious food is a human right and eating well is an essential part of good health and happiness.

The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers, and policymakers across the country to ensure everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and information to make healthy decisions. In 2023, The Food Trust distributed $926,330 in grants through 26 awards, primarily through their healthy food financing initiatives.

Under the leadership of President & CEO Mark Edwards (appointed in 2020), The Food Trust developed its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, "Partners in Promoting Nutrition Security," which centers evidence-based programs, community engagement, and policy advocacy. In 2024, The Food Trust acquired Cooking Matters, a nationally renowned nutrition education program from Share Our Strength, expanding their national reach and programming capabilities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (PA FFFI) - The Food Trust's primary grant-making program

• Grant Range: Most projects qualify for up to $50,000; high-impact projects can qualify for up to $150,000
• Application Method: Two-step process via Google Forms or printable PDF; applications evaluated on rolling basis while funds remain available
• Recent Funding: $800,000 awarded to 13 recipients in the 2024-2025 round
• Total Impact Since 2018: $4 million in grant funding distributed to 92 eligible projects
• Historical Success (2004-2010): 88 projects funded out of 206 applications (43% success rate)

Massachusetts Food Trust Program - Administered in partnership with Local Enterprise Assistance Fund and Franklin County Community Development Corporation

• Provides loans, grants, and business assistance to support healthy food retailers in low and moderate-income communities
• $6 million in state funding has leveraged $22 million in other funds

Kansas Healthy Food Initiative - The Food Trust provides support for this state-level program

Priority Areas

The Food Trust funds projects that:

1. Expand access to high-quality, affordable, nutritious food in underserved neighborhoods via retail outlets
2. Serve low-to-moderate-income communities experiencing food insecurity
3. Accept SNAP and WIC benefits (to the extent possible)
4. Build wealth within communities most affected by lack of healthy food access
5. Enhance racial, gender, and economic equity
6. Support the environment and local food system
7. Include team members with experience managing similar food retail projects
8. Fit local community needs and demonstrate support from local residents

Preference is given to new or expanding independently owned projects that promote diverse ownership, hire employees from surrounding neighborhoods, pay living wages, and source food from state farmers.

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside Pennsylvania (for PA FFFI specifically)
• Projects that don't demonstrate financial viability
• Projects without community support
• Retailers that won't accept SNAP/WIC benefits
• Projects that don't improve food access in true areas of need

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

Mark Edwards, President & CEO - Appointed in 2020, Edwards has dedicated his career to uplifting communities. According to Angel Rodriguez, chairman of the Board of Directors: "As our country faces staggering levels of food insecurity, Mark's leadership and strategic vision are more important than ever."

Board of Directors

Angel Rodriguez - Board Chair

Recent board appointments include:

• Anthony Antonelli - Executive Director, HCP Portfolio Strategy – US Oncology, Merck
• Seema Betigeri - Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs, Merck
• Andrea G. Ferrenz, Esq. - Senior Food Law Counsel, Campbell Soup Company
• Chad Leyden - Market President, Truist Financial Corporation
• Susan Buehler - Chief Communications Officer, PJM Interconnection
• Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam, MD, MSHP - Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Partner Organizations

The Food Trust works in partnership with:

• Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
• Pennsylvania-based Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) including:
  • Reinvestment Fund
  • Community First Fund
  • Bridgeway Capital
  • Rising Tide Community Loan Fund

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Two-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Eligibility Application

• Complete the eligibility application via Google Forms or printable PDF
• Determines whether the proposed project is consistent with program goals and objectives
• Available at thefoodtrust.org/pafffi or by contacting pafffi@thefoodtrust.org

Step 2: Full Application (if eligible)

• Completed after initial eligibility is confirmed
• Includes detailed financial and operational information

Decision Timeline

Estimated 4-6 weeks from application submission to eligibility decision. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis while funds remain available.

The review process includes:

1. Initial review and stakeholder consultation (Week 1-2)
2. Eligibility determination (Week 2-3)
3. Financial viability assessment (Week 3-4)
4. CDFI connection for additional financing (Week 4-6)
5. Final funding decisions (Week 6)

Success Rates

• Historical PA FFFI (2004-2010): 88 projects funded out of 206 applications = 43% success rate
• Relaunched PA FFFI (2018-present): 92 projects funded from 300+ applications = approximately 30% success rate
• Recent Round (2024-2025): 13 recipients selected from applicant pool

Reapplication Policy

The Food Trust does not explicitly publish a reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Interested applicants should contact pafffi@thefoodtrust.org to inquire about reapplication opportunities and timing.

Application Success Factors

Based on The Food Trust's published guidance and recent funding patterns, successful applicants demonstrate:

1. Strong Community Connection: Show how the project aligns with existing goals of local government and residents, and provide evidence of community support

2. Equity and Inclusion Focus: Promote opportunities for enterprises of diverse ownership, and demonstrate commitment to racial, gender, and economic equity

3. Local Economic Impact: Hire employees from surrounding neighborhoods and pay living wages

4. Local Food System Support: Source food from Pennsylvania farmers and support the local agricultural economy

5. Accessibility: Make the retail location accessible to customers through public transportation

6. SNAP/WIC Acceptance: Commit to accepting SNAP and WIC benefits to serve low-income customers

7. Experienced Management: Include team members with proven experience managing similar food retail projects

8. Financial Viability: Present a realistic business plan with clear path to sustainability

Recent successful projects (2024-2025 recipients) included corner stores, African food markets, vegetable farms with mobile markets, and stores expanding commercial kitchens - all serving underserved communities with limited food access.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on equity and community wealth-building: The Food Trust gives explicit preference to independently owned projects that build wealth within communities most affected by lack of healthy food access
• Document community need and support: Conduct thorough community needs assessment and gather letters of support - The Food Trust consults with community stakeholders during review
• Demonstrate financial viability and experience: Include team members with proven retail experience and present a realistic business plan showing path to sustainability
• Commit to SNAP and WIC: Make clear your commitment to accepting SNAP/EBT, WIC, and other nutrition assistance programs
• Connect to local food systems: Show how you'll source from Pennsylvania farmers, hire locally, pay living wages, and support the broader local food economy
• Apply early in rolling application periods: With a 30-43% success rate and rolling review while funds are available, applying early increases your chances before funding is exhausted
• Leverage the two-step process: Use the eligibility application as an opportunity to get preliminary feedback before investing significant time in a full application

References

1. The Food Trust Official Website - https://thefoodtrust.org (Accessed March 2026)
2. Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative Program Page - https://thefoodtrust.org/what-we-do/hffi/pa/ (Accessed March 2026)
3. PA FFFI Application Materials - https://thefoodtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PA-FFFI-Application_August-2024_FINAL.pdf (Accessed March 2026)
4. The Food Trust Press Release - "The Food Trust Invests $800,000 in Grants to Support Retailers Across Pennsylvania" (August 2025)
5. Charity Navigator Profile - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/232678383 (Accessed March 2026)
6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Food Trust (EIN: 23-2678383) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/232678383 (Accessed March 2026)
7. The Food Trust Strategic Plan 2022-2027 - "Partners in Promoting Nutrition Security"
8. Generocity - "Mark Edwards named CEO of the Food Trust" (October 2020)
9. The Food Trust Leadership Page - https://thefoodtrust.org/who-we-are/people/ (Accessed March 2026)
10. Reinvestment Fund - Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative Overview
11. Massachusetts Food Trust Program - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-food-trust-program (Accessed March 2026)
12. Share Our Strength Press Release - "The Food Trust Acquires Nationally Renowned Nutrition Education Program" (February 2024)