Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding put out $3.4 million in Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) grants awarded to businesses in 23 counties, including Chester County. The funding aims to increase access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food in underserved communities while supporting local farms.
Governor Josh Shapiro secured $2 million in each of his first two bipartisan state budgets to revive FFFI, a COVID-era initiative to strengthen the capacity of local food supply chains. Legislation giving the PA Department of Agriculture authority to spend the money followed in 2024.
Grocery stores, neighborhood co-ops, mobile markets, farm markets, and other businesses that provide fresh food directly to consumers were eligible to apply for FFFI grants. Businesses located in food deserts — areas designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having limited access to fresh food — were given priority consideration, as well as women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses.
In Chester County, Down to Earth Harvest was awarded $80,750. The Downingtown farm offers produce subscriptions to bring healthy food to the community.
An innovative, scalable, and collaborative farm-to-family model that connects customers with local farms in Pennsylvania through a modern online farmstand platform will expand its capacity, increasing local access to affordable, high-quality produce.
The project aligns with goals of the Chester County Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan, including educating the public about agriculture, creating engagement opportunities, and raising awareness of local foods.
Learn more about eligibility for the Fresh Food Financing Initiative and support for Pennsylvania’s nation-leading agricultural industry.
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