USDA Awards Projects Using Local Food to Address Hunger
TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Community Food Project (CFP) awards. These awards support organizations using local food to develop community-based solutions to address food insecurity and increase access to healthy food in low-income communities.
“This year’s grantees continue that tradition while representing exciting innovations and ideas. I look forward to seeing how their work will support our country’s farmers, expand local food opportunities, and increase healthy food access for generations to come,” said Vilsack.
Vilsack noted, “Community Food Projects are a perfect example of how America’s farmers and communities rely on Farm Bill programs to meet new markets, increase economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers, and address hunger.”
This year’s CFP awards total $4.87 million in funding to 26 projects in 15 states and the District of Columbia. California recipients include:
Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action, Bishop, Calif., $23,760, Eastern Sierra Food Expansion and Sustainable Plan
The Health Trust, Campbell, Calif., $300,000, Neighborhood Produce Access Points
Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, Calif., $299,940, SLO County Produce Project
Community Food Project awards are a cornerstone of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative which coordinates the department’s support for local and regional food systems.
