Video: ARC To Provide Grants To Encourage Economic Diversity, Boost Local Produce

[bitsontherun Mc0LVsQB]

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Four communities in the Appalachian Regional Commission will receive grants to develop business by using and promoting the use of locally grown produce.  Officials from the ARC’s headquarters in Washington DC made that announcement at Tupelo’s Downtown Farmer’s Market this morning.  The Livable Communities Grants helps small towns and rural communities by promoting economic development while safeguarding the local landscape.  The grants will focus on strategies that develop local food systems as a way to promote economic diversification.

“What we’re hoping to do is provide some incentives for communities to sit down, begin to have serious discussions about the types of infrastructure, retail operations and facilities, type of interactions between growers and communities that we might be able to develop to help create jobs, and help provide a healthier diet and provide food security in the region,” said Earl Gohl, with the ARC.

Applicants for the grants must submit a letter of interest by October 4th. www.arc.gov