The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some critical stress points in our local food system. Farmers have reported labor issues, market closures, and fears of supply chain disruption due to COVID-19. To bolster local food security and ensure the resilience and sustainability of our local farms, ANCA has announced a $100,000 Local Food System Security Grant program for 2020 for farms in our 14-county region.
This program offers awards of $2,500-$25,000 for projects that aim to enhance food and farm security in the region. Examples may include (but are not limited to) projects that support and expand supply chains, crop storage facilities, farmer subsidies so products can be offered to the public at reduced cost, and expansion of direct marketing options.