By KENNEDY GRIFFIN

(Franklin County, MA)

The Franklin County Community Development Corporation has received a $495,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA has given $64 million in grants for 185 projects across the country this year. This is the FCCDC’s third time in the past nine years to be awarded a grant in the national program with the mission to make positive impacts on the local food system.

This year’s grant will fund a Food Business Incubator Program to provide businesses with resources they need in the wholesale market. The FCCDC will partner with the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts for a incubator program that was piloted earlier this year. The 6-month program serves local farms and food businesses with support “develop marketing strategies, explore distribution opportunities, and improve food-safety practices.”

John Waite, the Executive Director of the FCCDC, said, “We’re grateful that the USDA Rural Development recognized that our programming not only supports farmers and food entrepreneurs, but also strengthens the local food system. We encourage more growers and specialty food business owners to contact us about adding value to local crops and increasing incomes.” 

For more information go to www.fccdc.org.