By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Greenfield, MA) The Franklin County Community Development Corporation’s Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center has been awarded Manufacturer of the Year for the Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester senate district. The award will be presented Tuesday at 9am.
“The Food Processing Center is an innovative and inspiring operation. It’s an integral part of our local food system helping our region’s farmers expand the reach of their nutritious food and grow their food businesses. As it happens, the FPC also processes many food items that are beloved in our valley including many in my home right now! COVID-19 caused unprecedented shifts and disruptions to our local food systems, and I’m grateful to the FPC for its steadfast efforts in the face of tremendous adversity,” said Senator Jo Comerford, who nominated the FCP for the award.
The FCP is celebrating their 20th anniversary in October and currently serves 50 clients in the area. Eight full time staff are employed by the FCP, including individuals from the Hampshire County House of Corrections re-entry program. The FCP holds the only Individual Quick Freeze Machine in New England.