The Pennsylvania Shapiro Administration announced a new grant program that aims to strengthen the state’s local food supply chain by investing in equipment.
The program is offering $4.8 million in federal funded grants to help purchase equipment to help reach the middle of the food supply chain between the farm field and the customer’s table. The grants are funded through $26 million in federal Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, which aims to help meet capacity needs in grocers, restaurants, and institutions.
The Shapiro Administration says Pennsylvania leads the nation in sales direct to consumers from the farm, which only represents a small portion of the total food supply. The Shapiro Administration says most products are processed, packaged, or combined with products from multiple farms in order to supply the volume and variety needed by retail and wholesale locations.
The second round of grants is being made available, following the first round, which closed at the end of March.
Grants for equipment purchases only will be awarded between $10,000 and $100,000. The funds cannot be used for facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs.
Proposals are available online and must be submitted by May 15.
For more information, visit the Shapiro Administration website.