In the face of rising food insecurity across the United States, nonprofit food pantries play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable communities. Securing funding is essential for these organizations to maintain and expand their services. This guide outlines key grant opportunities available to food pantries in 2025, offering insights into eligibility, application processes, and strategic considerations.

1. Walmart Foundation – Spark Good Local Community Grants

• What It’s For: Supports local nonprofit organizations—including food pantries—focused on hunger relief and basic needs.
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits or other recognized charitable organizations located within the service area of a Walmart store.
• Award Amount: $250 to $5,000 per grant, per store
• Deadline: Rolling application; typically accepted quarterly
• Apply here

2. Feeding America – Food Security Equity Impact Fund

• What It’s For: Provides grants to organizations led by and serving communities of color to address food insecurity and promote equity in food access.
• Eligibility: Nonprofits that center racial equity and serve high-need communities, especially organizations rooted in the community.
• Award Amount: Varies; the fund has invested over $20 million to date
• Deadline: Announced periodically—watch the Feeding America website for updates

3. Popeyes Foundation – Food Love Grants

• What It’s For: Funds local nonprofits combating hunger and food insecurity
• Eligibility: Nonprofits operating in communities served by Popeyes
• Award Amount: $1,000 to $60,000+
• Deadline: Application period by invitation only, from May 22 to June 30, 2025
• More info

4. Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grants

• Funder: Bank of America Charitable Foundation
• What It’s For: Supports nonprofits addressing basic needs like hunger relief, affordable housing, and economic mobility
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in Bank of America’s service areas
• Award Amount: Varies
• Deadline: Application due June 30, check Bank of America website

5. Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation

• Funder: Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation
• What It’s For: Grants and in-kind donations for hunger relief—including fresh food, nutrition education, disaster relief, and pantry operations
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 20-mile radius of a Food Lion store, across 10 states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic
• Award Amount: $2,500+ per grant; $1.4 million+ total annually
• Deadline: Two cycles per year. Spring/Summer cycle deadline: March 13, 2025 (awards in July); fall/winter cycle TBA
• Details here

6. Conagra Brands Foundation – Community Impact Grants

• Funder: Conagra Brands Foundation
• What It’s For: Funds nonprofits working on food insecurity via direct access, nutrition education, cooking skills, healthy living, and urban agriculture
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits with inclusive non-discrimination policies, preferably operating near Conagra locations
• Award Amount: Up to $25,000 for one-year grants
• Deadline: Letter of Intent (LOI) due January 1–February 15, 2025; full applications by invitation. Special event grants: rolling
• More info

7. Campbell Soup Foundation – Community Impact

• Funder: Campbell Soup Foundation
• What It’s For: Unrestricted grants for nonprofits improving food access, healthy living, and community well-being
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 25 miles of a Campbell’s facility; grants are employee-nominated
• Award Amount: Typically $20,000 per grant
• Deadline: Annual nomination cycle (2025 details TBA)
• Read more

8. Tyson Foods Corporate Giving

• Funder: Tyson Foods
• What It’s For: Two programs—Community Giving (local 501(c)(3)s near Tyson facilities) and Strategic Philanthropy (large, multi-year partnerships via invitation)
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits endorsed by local Tyson team member, serving within Tyson facility communities
• Award Amount: Community Giving: $500–$5,000 per grant; Strategic Philanthropy: varies, invitation-only
• Deadline: Quarterly cycles: Q3 deadline July 25, 2025; Q4: October 31, 2025; Q1 2026: January 30
• Learn more

9. W.K. Kellogg Foundation

• Funder: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• What It’s For: Grants for projects advancing racial equity, community health, and nutrition—including pantry operations
• Eligibility: Nonprofits and public organizations in the U.S. working on racial equity or nutrition
• Award Amount: Varies
• Deadline: LOIs accepted year-round
• Explore here

Tips for Winning Food Pantry Grants

1. Tell a Clear Story with Data:
Show how your pantry makes a difference with real numbers (how many people you serve, meals provided, or local need stats) and personal stories from your community. Funders want to see both the impact and the need.

2. Build Relationships and Ask Questions:
Reach out to grant program officers if possible, introduce your organization and ask for advice on your application. Building these relationships and following up can set your application apart from the crowd.

These grants can help food pantries not only keep their shelves stocked but also expand their programs and impact. Carefully review each funder’s guidelines, confirm eligibility, and watch for application windows to maximize your chances.