Food initiative receives $10M in federal funding

The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) recently received $10 million as part of the PA CARES appropriation being distributed to eligible food retailers in the form of one-time grants.

“I’ve long advocated for everyone to have access to fresh, local food – no matter where you live,” state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks County) said. “I’m happy to see these grant funds become available, and I highly encourage our eligible grocery stores, farm stands, and farm markets to apply.”

FFFI is a statewide public-private financing program that invests in new or expanding grocery stores and other healthy food retail outlets. It provides grants supporting food retailing businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic to maintain healthy food access for low-income and underserved communities.

FFFI also improves access to produced agricultural products and fresh foods, especially those grown in Pennsylvania. These products include milk and dairy products, meat products, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

It removes financial obstacles and operating barriers for grocery stores and other healthy food retail establishments in lower-income communities and stimulates investments in lower-income communities and food-retailing businesses owned by people who are black, indigenous, or people of color and that serve these communities.

Eligible applicants have until Aug. 14 to apply for funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.