USDA awards $5.6M to state
Grants are designed to strengthen local food systems
During a visit to the Arkansas Food Bank in Little Rock on Tuesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt announced $5.6 million in competitive grant funds for Arkansas projects designed to improve food supply chain operations and strengthen local food systems in Arkansas.
USDA first announced up to $420 million in funding for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program in May 2023 to “strengthen local and regional food systems,” the release stated.
Through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, the Agricultural Marketing Service entered into cooperative agreements with state agencies, departments or commissions geared toward agriculture, commercial food processing, seafood, food system and distribution activities or commerce activities across the U.S. and its territories.
“This partnership between USDA and Arkansas is allowing critical funding to reach areas of the supply chain that need it most,” Moffitt said.
“The projects funded through this program will create new opportunities for the region’s small and midsize producers to thrive, expand access to nutritious food options, and increase supply chain resiliency.”
Arkansas has the highest rate of food insecurity in the country; a USDA report released in November found an average of 16.6% of Arkansas households were food insecure between 2020 and 2023.
Partnership efforts between Arkansas and USDA will increase access to locally produced food via institutions like food banks or local schools, allow for distribution of locally produced food within local communities, “so producers can bring more of those food dollars back to Arkansas communities,” help meat processors and help provide necessary cold storage, Moffitt said.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will use Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program funds to expand capacity for “processing, aggregation and distribution of agricultural products” the agency news release stated.
“Funded projects will also include the construction of new facilities or the updating of existing facilities or equipment as well as improving capacity to comply with food safety regulations. The state’s priorities are informed by stakeholder engagement and outreach to underserved producers to better understand their needs.”
There are two grant types under the program but applicants may only apply for one type: there are infrastructure grants or simplified equipment-only grants. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting project applications for grant funding through Feb. 16.
Infrastructure grants go to projects that focus on processing, aggregation and distribution of local food products and are geared toward agricultural producers, processors, nonprofits, local and tribal governments and institutions, according to an Arkansas Department of Agriculture news release Tuesday afternoon.
Simplified equipment-only grants benefit producers directly for on-farm equipment for producers in the middle of the food supply chain. This grant also provides funding for a walk-in cooler for onfarm use.
“The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is pleased to help administer the RFSI grant program and looks forward to seeing its positive impacts on our state’s largest industry,” Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said in a department news release.
“These funds will strengthen Arkansas agriculture by supporting investments to enhance supply chain operations and equipping producers with tools to expand the local food system.”
The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is authorized via the American Rescue Plan.
Project proposals grants will range from $100,000 to $3 million and require 50% of project costs to be matched, or 25% for underserved applicants.
Those interested in submitting project proposals for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program funding or getting more information on the program can visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website.
Through partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the program will also provide technical assistance to growers and distributors who want to to participate.