Local projects win funding from statewide food-supply grant program

Three local projects were among 12 statewide awarded grants from a joint state/federal program that aims to strengthen the food-supply chain.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced last week that $4.9 million in Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grants will go to Virginia farms, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service provided the grant funding through a cooperative agreement with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which will administer the grants in the Commonwealth.

“Agriculture is Virginia’s number one private industry and a foundational pillar of our Commonwealth’s economy. Supporting economic development opportunities in the industry means supporting Virginia’s farmers, processors, retailers — and helping Virginians put food on their tables,” Spanberger said in a statement highlighted in a media release sent out by her office on Feb. 13.

“Expanding market opportunities and revenue streams for our small and mid-sized producers helps to create new jobs, put food on Virginians’ tables, and build a stronger future for Virginia agriculture,” Spanberger said.

Local grants

---

New Hill Development Corporation, Charlottesville: $962,958 

New Hill Development Corporation will construct a shared-use commercial kitchen in Charlottesville. The 11,300-square-foot facility will serve producers in the surrounding region with equipment and space to process locally grown produce into new value-added products.

The company plans to create 65 new jobs, benefit 125 producers and 70 food businesses, and establish five new market outlets, to include institutional food service operators.

---

Deep Roots Milling, Roseland: $99,616 

Deep Roots Milling will enhance the production capacities at its two primary facilities by updating conveyance and flour sifting systems to increase operational capacity and ensure a safer workplace.

The company anticipates being able to better meet the growing market demand for regionally produced flour and to support 25 small regional grain growers as a result.

---

Jon Henry General Store, New Market: $68,644

Jon Henry General Store will expand delivery services with a new van to transport local produce from small farms to wholesale partners.

As an aggregator of fresh produce from more than 100 small farmers throughout the Shenandoah Valley, the JHGS van enables easier pickup and delivery from small farms to new markets, such as local restaurants, food trucks, and schools.