KeyBank in Partnership with the First Niagara Foundation and General Motors Provides Over $50,000 in Funding to Field & Fork Network

KeyBank in Partnership with the First Niagara Foundation and General Motors Provides Over $50,000 in Funding to Field & Fork Network

Investment funds ‘Food Pathways’, a professional development program for Niagara Falls High School students

NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Niagara Falls High School students will have an opportunity to enhance their education and receive professional development thanks to an investment from two foundations focused on strengthening Niagara County. Food Pathways, a program developed by Field & Fork Network, received a $32,375 grant from First Niagara Foundation and a $25,000 grant from General Motors. The funding will prepare 20 students to take on important careers that help improve and sustain our local food system.

“This innovative collaboration is connecting young people to the community in a unique way by providing career development opportunities while enhancing access to a fresh, affordable and sustainable food system,” said Elizabeth Gurney, Executive Director of the KeyBank and First Niagara Foundations. “Our investment in their future will help strengthen our regional economy and  create plans and pathways to help students reach their full potential.” Food Pathways was developed and piloted last year to address gaps that exist between the workforce and food system  employers in Niagara County. A partnership with Niagara Falls High School quickly formed, and a collaboration with the Niagara Global Tourism Institute helped create a comprehensive curriculum to engage seniors in exploring new career paths and learning tangible professional skills from leading professionals to better prepare them for the futures.

“We are thankful for the continued support from GM, who also funded the pilot, and to First Niagara Foundation for stepping up to fill the gap, enabling us to continue this program,” said Tom Lowe, Project Director at Field & Fork Network. “This is a unique opportunity for many of these students, and one that has the power to transform their lives; I feel lucky I get to be a part of it.”

“For the second year NFHS students will benefit from this partnership, it’s a chance to learn in a practical setting about new career paths and life skills that will stay with them as they transition to college or a career,” said NFHS Superintendent Mark Laurie.

Food Pathways will launch in January 2023, offering 20 Niagara Falls High School seniors a $500 stipend to participate in the 14-week program that explores career paths in the food system. The curriculum combines in-class professional development activities such as personal branding, social intelligence, team building, with food system experiences both in the classroom and out in the field at local businesses within the food system.

ABOUT FIELD & FORK NETWORK
Field & Fork Network is a NYS nonprofit organization that connects communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system. Whether we’re connecting farmers to new economic opportunities or connecting consumers to affordable fresh food, our work is designed to link communities together to make them stronger. To learn more about our work please visit our website and social media sites at: www.fieldandforknetwork.com | Facebook  Instagram  Twitter

ABOUT KEYBANK
KeyBank’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190.1 billion at September 30, 2022. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

ABOUT THE FIRST NIAGARA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1998, the First Niagara Foundation will carry out the philanthropic legacy of First Niagara Bank, which was acquired by KeyBank in 2016. The Foundation, in partnership with KeyBank, supports not for profit organizations dedicated to empowering individuals and neighborhoods primarily in Western New York. For more information, visit http://www.firstniagarafoundation.org.

ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

Now Hiring! AmeriCorps VISTA Local Food Action Plan Outreach Coordinator – Niagara Falls

This is an AmeriCorps VISTA position. Information about this program can be found here: http://www.americorps.gov/  

Are you passionate about local food and improving food access for your friends and neighbors? Do you love farmers markets and creating safe, judgement free zones for folks to experience the joys of seasonal fruits and vegetables? Are you looking to get into a career in food systems or non-profits? 

If you said yes to any or all of those questions, then apply to become a Local Food Action Plan Outreach VISTA member! 

The Local Food Action Plan VISTA member will: 

  • Engage stakeholders to inform action items and priorities
  • Develop and implement advocacy agenda items
  • Assist with the development and implementation of projects and programs that positively impact the local food system
  • Create economic opportunities for farmers and local food producers

In 2018, Field & Fork Network staff led the development of the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan (NFLFAP) which was approved by the Niagara Falls City Council in December 2018 as the official food plan for the City of Niagara Falls. The Plan provides a framework of actions to be undertaken to improve the local food system and increase food access amongst Niagara Falls residents.  

Embedded within Field & Fork Network and supervised by the Project Director for the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan, the VISTA member will assist the Project Director and key partners in the planning, coordination, and execution of community outreach events and activities to gather information from key stakeholders to inform the work that is guided by the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan.  

About Field & Fork Network: 

Field & Fork Network is a New York State food and farming non-profit organization that connects communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system. Our work focuses on four important areas: agriculture economic development, food access, youth development and healthy neighborhoods. 

About AmeriCorps VISTA 

Since 1965, over 220,000 AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program have joined the fight against poverty by helping local organizations expand their capacity to make change. The VISTA program serves in each of the 50 U.S. states and in all U.S. territories. 

Through capacity building activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment, AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program serve in an office setting and gain experience and leadership skills. This opportunity prepares members for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. 

Minimum Position Requirements: 

  • Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit) 
  • Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state. Examples of persons legally residing within a state may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, and holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. 
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required. 

Qualifications: 

  • A passion for increasing healthy food access for low-income community members.
  • Strong skills in communicating, building relationships, and working with community members from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and refugees, people of color, and low-income communities.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong public speaking skills or willingness to speak to large audiences (e.g. 15 or more persons).
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into concise, easy to understand formats.
  • An understanding of the stakeholders and considerations involved in sustainable food systems policy and planning.  

 Benefits 

  • Childcare assistance if eligible 
  • $6,345 education award upon successful completion of service for either future education expenses or for payment of student loans OR a cash award of $1,800 upon successful completion of service
  • Health coverage
  • Living allowance 
  • Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs)
  • 10 sick days and 10 vacation days 
  • Relocation allowance (if applicable)
  • Student loan forbearance and full payment of any interest accumulated during service upon successful completion of service
  • Training
  • Professional Development Opportunities 
  • Phone stipend
  • Food assistance
  • Additional benefits to be determined 

To Apply: 

Please send a resume and a brief description of your interest in the position to tlowe@fieldandforknetwork.com.  

Applicants should indicate “Local Food Action Plan VISTA” in the subject line of the email. 

Applications will be reviewed daily and the position will be filled based on AmeriCorps VISTA Member Orientation Dates. No phone calls please. 

Field & Fork Network Receives USDA Grant to Revitalize the Niagara Falls City Market

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Field & Fork Network, a statewide food and farming nonprofit was awarded over $245,000 to revitalize the Niagara Falls City Market. Field & Fork Network took over farmers market management this season with the goal of creating an accessible and equitable market; where food, culture and community can be celebrated. 

The USDA grant will provide the necessary funding to strengthen operations, make capital improvements, recruit new vendors, support community events, and engage the community. The grant is a part of the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program, which awarded over $13 million to 55 organizations across the country, Field & Fork Network was one of only five in New York that was selected.   

“Access to fresh, nutritious, locally-grown food shouldn’t be a luxury. The Niagara Falls City Market has been a fixture in the community for over 100 years and community groups are working diligently to reimagine the marketspace so it can improve the local food system and meet the needs of Western New Yorkers,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow Field & Fork Network to engage the Niagara Falls community, increase traffic at the market, enhance opportunities for new local vendors, and improve access to affordable and healthy food. This is another investment that will contribute to a healthier and stronger future for the Western New York community.”  

The Niagara Falls City Market has been in existence since the horse-and-buggy days of the late 1800s. What once was a vibrant market full of diverse vendors has struggled in recent years. In 2018, residents, and other important partners developed the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan to improve the local food system; the number one priority of the Plan was revitalizing the City Market.  

“After years of ineffective efforts to improve the City Market, our Administration took the necessary steps to bring in Field & Fork Network to enhance the farmer and vendor potential at the market and coupled with new facility management by Militello Property Group, we believe the future is bright for our market. Securing this grant will provide additional resources that Field & Fork Network can use to attract and develop more vendors and improve promotion of the market. We appreciate the efforts of the Field & Fork Network and look forward to our ongoing partnership.”   

Since taking over the market this year, Field & Fork Network has laid the groundwork to improve community access to local fresh produce by implementing programs like SNAP (formerly food stamps) and Double Up Food Bucks, a nutrition incentive program that offers low-income individuals’ money to purchase local fresh produce. Additionally, they have strengthened market opportunities for the vendors through special events and marketing support.  

“It has been a long road but we are excited to be at the point we are now with the farmers market; building back this important community asset as a place to buy fresh and affordable produce and other locally-produced products,” said Tom Lowe, Project Director for the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan who is also responsible for managing the Niagara Falls City Market. “We look forward to the markets continued growth to better support the community it serves and the farmers and vendors who have devoted years of their business to this farmers market.” 

“The Niagara Falls City Market is a cornerstone of the community and an important source of fresh, affordable, and local produce,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I congratulate the Field & Fork Network on receiving this well-deserved award and look forward to seeing the new and improved market in operation.”    

Field & Fork Network intends to work with current vendors, City Officials, residents and other stakeholders to develop a vision for the market that is part of the City’s overall development for the Pine Avenue area. Anyone interested in learning more about this work or to engage in the larger work of the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan can learn more by visiting www.fieldandforknetwork.com. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Buffalo Bill’s ‘Huddle for Hunger’ Initiative Supports Field & Fork Network

Bills Huddle for Hunger Supports Food Access

Field & Fork Network is thrilled to be working with the Buffalo Bills Foundation as a beneficiary of their 50/50 Raffle! The Huddle for Hunger initiative is a campaign to help those in our community who struggle with food insecurity.

This is a rare opportunity for us to work alongside the Buffalo Bills to raise more money for Double Up Food Bucks and other food access programs. Not only are you supporting a good cause but you can win half of the jackpot!

The Buffalo Bills Foundation 50/50 raffle is open for online sales, and each ticket purchased will help increase the jackpot until it closes during the Huddle for Hunger game on Sunday, October 30th. Half of the jackpot will go to the winner, while the other half will be dispersed throughout 18 hunger fighting organizations

Please visit our Fanthem Page to get your tickets. We are so appreciate of your support!

Enter to Win

 

Artisan Day event brings signs of hope to Niagara Falls City Market

Niagara Falls City Market

Original Publisher: Niagara Gazette

Reporter: Mark Sheer

Artisan Day event brings signs of hope to Niagara Falls City Market

The SnobKnockers played outdoors at the Niagara Falls City Market on Friday.

Next door to them, in a trailer that serves as Lend a Leaf’s business on wheels, Jessica Nyland served specialty coffees and teas.

Nyland was part of a larger group of vendors — mostly made up of local farmers — who were selling apples and empanadas and chicken soup and all manner of food and homemade items along the brick-paved area beneath the awning where City Market sellers have been selling fresh produce and more to customers for years.

Friday’s festivities were part of an Artisan Market, a special event designed to breath more life into what has been a staple off Pine Avenue near 18th Street for, by most estimates at least 100 years, or at least more years than most people who still frequent the market can remember.

Sheri Senek’s family business, Senek Farms, which has been in business in Ransomville for a century now, has been a presence at the Falls market for decades. The Senek family truck makes an appearance each week, all year long.

To Senek, hearing the SnobKnockers play while watching more customers engage with a wider variety of vendors represented two things she’s wanted most for the market for many years: Signs of progress and hope.

“This is amazing,” said Senek, whose father-in-law, Senek Farms founder John Senek started the family tradition of selling produce at the Falls market decades ago. “This is what we’re hoping for. We’ve got new vendors that we’re hoping will continue to come.”

“This is what we do,” she added. “We’re farmers. We’ve always come here. We brought our produce to the city. This market has always been an important part of this community.”

Up until this year, the city market was managed, under a deal struck with Niagara Falls city government in 1999, by Lewiston businessman Al Muto. In May, city lawmakers, at the urging of Mayor Robert Restaino’s administration, agreed to buy Muto out of his market lease, which ran through July 2032, with an additional 44-year option that could have been extended to 2076.

City officials agreed to spend $2 million in American Rescue Plan funds to terminate the city’s lease with Muto Development and reacquire control of the market and six adjacent properties. They are now working with various partners in hopes of reimagining the space for vendors, tenants and local residents.

One main partner is the Field and Fork Network, Inc., a non-profit organization that works with communities in an effort to promote more sustainable food systems. The Falls City Council agreed in August to enter into a management agreement for the market with the organization. That same month, the Network announced that it had reached an agreement to allow city market vendors to accept Supplemental Nutrition Program, or SNAP benefits, more commonly known as food stamps.

Senek said it has been a big boost for farmers who frequent the market and for Falls residents who need access to fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables.

“It’s been a big benefit,” she said.

Tony Poletti, owner of the Marketside restaurant at the City Market and president of the Pine Avenue Redevelopment Project, Inc., a local group dedicated to reimagining the Pine Avenue commercial strip, said he’s hopeful better days are ahead for the market, mainly because it feels to him like the right organizations and people are now coming together to make it better.

“There’s a lot of good people that are focused on the right things so I have a positive outlook for the future of Pine Avenue and the city market,” said Poletti, who served chicken soup to customers during Friday’s event.

Nyland, a DeVeaux resident who started her coffee-and-tea-on-the-go business a year and a half ago, said she heard from a lot of market “regulars” who were excited to see more activity than they have seen in recent years. She said she’s looking forward to coming back in the future.

“It’s so nice to see people interacting with one another,” she said.

The SnobKnockers — a trio that includes local bed and breakfast owner Shelia Zuni, Michael Sheffield and George Kobas — entertained the market crowd throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

Zuni said the band would return to the market if invited and she hopes other local bands will begin to view the space as a place where they can — like the farmers and the vendors — engage with the community.

“There’s so much potential here,” she said.

Anne Marie DeRusso agrees.

The new director for the City Market helped organize Friday’s Artisan Day. While it is the final special event planned for 2022, DeRusso said Field and Fork Network and other partners intend to spend the winter months planning more events and, hopefully, more market improvements next year. She said part of the effort will involve exploring and promoting more of the market’s rich history.

“Mainly, it’s bringing business into the city, but it’s also getting good local produce into people’s hands,” she said.

How can people in and around Niagara Falls support the market moving forward?

DeRusso said, simply: Show up, not just on special event days but as frequently as possible.

“If we want the market to be successful, then we need people to come out,” she said.

Field & Fork Network Awarded ‘Organization of the Year’ by Leadership Niagara

Field and Fork Network Awarded Organization of the Year

Leadership Niagara, the longest running leadership development organization in New York State, has selected Field & Fork Network as their 2022 Organization of the Year. The annual award recognizes an organization whose work positively impacts on the quality of life in Niagara County and strengthens our communities. This year Field & Fork Network was selected by a diverse group of leaders, across sectors, as the winner. The organization was selected because our work exemplifies Leadership Niagara’s mission and core values of excellence, visionary leadership, lifelong learning, regional partnerships, diversity and inclusion and societal responsibility.

Double Your Produce Dollars

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — For our Price Tracker series, we’re continuing to track the prices of five items at five stores across Western New York.

We’re tracking the price of:

  • 1lb ground beef
  • a dozen eggs
  • a gallon of 2% milk
  • white bread
  • toilet paper

You can track the changes we’re seeing by looking at the graphs here. We add data every week.

This week, we’ve found one way for some people to double their fresh fruits and vegetables budget. The Double Up Food Bucks program allows SNAP recipients to stretch their food dollars at participating stores and farmer’s markets. The Lexington Co-op is one store that will double your dollars on almost all fruits and veggies.

“It is so important. Fresh, local, healthy foods need to be on everyone’s table not to mention low income families tables,” said Jennifer White from the Co-op. “You can match up to 10 dollars every single day. You can come in every day and get fresh produce.”

Many local farmers markets also offer to double up food bucks for SNAP recipients. To find locations near you, you can go to the Double Up Food Bucks website and type in your zipcode.

Another way anyone can cut costs at the grocery store is by couponing. You’d be surprised how much you can save spending five minutes clipping – especially if you double coupons and shop sales.

Original Story Aired on WKBW-News Channel 7

Written By: Katie Morse

Food for Life

Twelve weeks of real-life experience came to an end this week for 12 Niagara Falls High School students who participated in the Food Pathways program as part of the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan.

The program, coordinated through Field & Fork network used curriculum developed by Niagara University’s Global Tourism Institute and concluded with a lunch at the TreC Center on Thursday.

The students learned about technical aspects of the food system as well as the soft skills needed to get and hold a job.

Some of the sites visited included DiCamillos Bakery, Johnnie Ryan’s Beverages, Arrowhead Springs Vineyard, Becker Farms and Rich Products. The graduation ceremony of sorts was held at the TreC Center where students sat with mentors with whom they were paired because of a particular shared interest.

Tom Lowe is Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan Project Director for Field & Fork

“Everywhere we went, the speakers asked the students ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ ” Lowe said. At first it seemed trite. Something changed along the way.

“As it went on, answers evolved,” Lowe said. “To see that evolution was kind of exciting.”

Francesca DiCamillo said she enrolled in the program without a great sense of direction.

“I appreciated getting to know all the businesses because it’s important to support small businesses rather than big ones” she said.

Niagara Falls School Superintendent Mark Laurrie made a surprise appearance and looked around the room to see not only current students but former ones.

“This is the way we are going to change things,” he said. “Through you to someone next to you.”

One of the familiar faces he saw was that of ShaTaura Holland, a Niagara Falls High School graduate who was there when he was principal and today runs KCARMA NY apparel. KCARMA is an acronym for “keeping character respecting morals always.”

She looked across the gathered students with envy.

“I wish that we had a program like this when I was in school,” she said. “To teach about credit, to teach about business, how to pay bills, it is really a stepping stone to reality.”

One of Holland’s successes so far was selling hoodies to Falls students touring historical Black Colleges and Universities.

John Osberg, a Niagara Falls native was there as a mentor representing his business, Power of Ozmosis Consulting. He offered one brief piece of advice to the students.

“Of yourself, and all those around you, remove judgment and give grace” he said.

Original Story in the Niagara Gazette

Written by Joe Genco

Congressman Higgins Announces $3 Million in USDA Funding Awarded to Field & Fork Network

Congressman Higgins Announces $3 Million in USDA Funding Awarded to Field & Fork Network
Funding Improves Access to Fresh, Local Produce & Improves Technology Associated with SNAP Benefits

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined Field & Fork Network and FeedMore WNY at OLV Human Services to announce a four-year federal grant totaling $3,077,153. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and awarded through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, the grant supports initiatives to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables available to low-income families, tribal communities, and other at-risk communities. This USDA investment directly serves members of the Western New York Community.

“Too many families live in food deserts or find the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables unaffordable on a tight budget,” said Congressman Higgins. “This federal investment ensures that families have affordable access to produce, along with the flexibility to purchase healthy food at a variety of community grocers. Beyond addressing immediate needs related to food insecurity, this initiative has lasting benefits which will over time improve health and education outcomes for families in underserved communities.”

“By design, the Double Up Food Bucks program is an innovative way to address food insecurity in our communities by making fresh produce not only more accessible but also more affordable. SNAP shoppers can stretch their food dollars further with the Double Up match, bringing home more healthy food for themselves and their families. We are grateful for the ongoing investment the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture has made in our program. These federal resources are critical and ensure we can implement the program in those communities that need it the most”, states Lisa French, Executive Director of Field & Fork Network

This multi-year grant supports Field & Fork Network’s Double Up Food Bucks New York State: Innovating Technologies and Expanding Geographies program; a nutrition incentive program that matches the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits dollar for dollar. SNAP provides thousands of nutritionally vulnerable New Yorkers with fresh, healthy foods. The Double Up program specifically applies to fresh fruits and vegetables. Making nutritious foods more affordable and accessible to low-income families, the program is offered at farmers markets, mobile markets, as well as small retail and grocery sites across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Field & Fork Network will expand this program into grocery stores, allowing SNAP shoppers more choice in where they buy their food. Overall, they intended to expand the Double Up program to 45 New York counties by 2024.

One of the newest markets to accept Double Up Food Bucks is FeedMore WNY’s Farm Market. Field & Fork and FeedMore WNY have partnered to launch the Double Up program on FeedMore WNY’s mobile Farm Market trucks, which provide fresh, low-cost fruits and vegetables to community members through convenient stops across FeedMore WNY’s service area.

“FeedMore WNY is thrilled to partner with Field & Fork Network to introduce the Double Up Food Bucks Program at the FeedMore WNY Farm Market. Our Farm Market trucks provide fresh and extremely affordable produce to community members who may otherwise lack access to fruits and vegetables,” Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said. “Thanks to the Double Up Food Bucks Program, made possible through Field & Fork, and the efforts of Congressman Higgins, our Farm Market shoppers can make their SNAP benefits go farther and multiply their families’ healthy produce options.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Higgins and our friends at Field & Fork Network and FeedMore WNY for their efforts to make fresh produce more available, accessible and affordable for residents of Lackawanna and other food desert communities,” said Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo. “Through the Double Up Food Bucks Program, shoppers using SNAP benefits will have the additional buying power necessary to bring a greater number and variety of fresh produce options into their household.”
In addition to expanding access to fresh, healthy food, the program seeks to improve the technology associated with SNAP benefits. Originally, SNAP recipients received tokens and paper vouchers, which were redeemed by farmers and easily misplaced or lost. This program implements high-tech systems: one based on Double Up interoperable Fresh Incentives loyal card technology and the other based on grocery store loyalty card programs and point-of-sale systems. Some locations will share information between retail locations owned by the same entity, while others will share information between retail locations, like farmers markets, owned by different entities. The information sharing loyalty card systems eliminate the need to manually input the last eight digits of each SNAP users’ EBT card, enable Field and Ford Network to track customers’ purchases in real time, and provide SNAP users with greater flexibility. Field & Fork Network intends to replicate the success of this technology in Buffalo and in communities across New York State.

This grant program requires an equal dollar in non-federal match funding. The non-federal funding partners for this grant include the following foundations in Western NY: Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, John R. Oishei Foundation, First Niagara Foundation, Western NY Foundation and the Garman Family Fund through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program allows the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grant funding for projects that increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables in low-income communities. The 2018 Farm Bill authorized the program through 2023, specifically allocating funds to improve access to produce for low-income consumers participating in the SNAP program.

Field & Fork Network connects communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system. To learn more about Field and Fork, visit http://www.fieldandforknetwork.com/

To Watch the Press Conference Click Here