The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is allocating $200,000 to support local food initiatives and increase food security, with applications for its Community Food and Farm grant open online until Oct. 28.
After voting to approve the grant Aug. 11, up to half of the total funds will be allocated for the first grant cycle, which runs through Dec. 31, 2023.
Eligible applicants are small farm and food businesses, and nonprofits or individuals who “produce, process or distribute community-based food,” as well as additional requirements. according to a release.
Johnson County may award $1,000 to $25,000 for each eligible and approved project. If the amount of funds requested exceeds the amount available, Johnson County staff and a committee of Food Policy Council members will complete an evaluation of each application. Criteria will include grant goals alignment, project impact and project readiness.
The funds are a result of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. The Food and Farm grant will go toward revitalizing the county’s community-based system in the aftermath of COVID-19.
To offset higher costs, loss of market channels and decreased revenue, the program is meant to increase community-based food production, processing and distribution capacity.
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