USDA grants $848K to support local food systems

By Blake Jackson

Paul D. Tonko announced that Capital Roots and Schenectady Greenmarket, two local nonprofit organizations, have been awarded a combined $848,737 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This funding, allocated through the Local Agriculture Market Program’s (LAMP) Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs (FMLFPP), will be used to enhance food access, support local farmers, and strengthen the regional food system.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate these significant grant awards that will help foster stronger connections between our rural and urban communities and improve access to healthy, locally grown food,” Congressman Tonko said. “These projects are crucial to supporting our Capital Region’s small farmers while ensuring that every resident especially those in underserved areas has access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food. These initiatives will empower local producers, provide economic opportunities, and enhance the health and well-being of our communities, and I’m excited to see them succeed in the coming years.”

Capital Roots will receive $499,772 to expand its Farm-to-Institution Program. This program connects small-scale farmers with institutions like schools and childcare centers, increasing access to fresh, locally sourced food in underserved communities.

Schenectady Greenmarket will use its $250,000 grant to enhance vendor and customer participation. The funds will support recruitment, outreach, and retention efforts, with a focus on historically underserved populations.

Additionally, the market will provide resources like mentorship, training, and a Vendor Success Toolkit to help small-scale producers thrive.

Capital Roots will also receive an additional $98,965 for its Retail Market Program, which aims to expand market opportunities for local farmers in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

This funding will support a new Retail Market Promotion Plan, which will utilize various marketing strategies to increase sales of farm products in underserved areas.

These grants are part of the USDA's Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which aims to strengthen local and regional food systems.

LAMP has awarded over $220 million to 597 projects since 2021, supporting farmers, expanding market opportunities, and building resilient food systems.

Photo Credit: usda