Two Central Virginia projects receive grants supporting local food systems

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Two Central Virginia projects are among 11 recipients of the state's latest round of infrastructure grants designed to support local food systems.

According to a release from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund recently awarded 11 infrastructure grants totaling over $390,000 to local food producers in Virginia. Two of the grant recipients are based in Albemarle and Cumberland counties.

Penny's Imperfect Pizza in Albemarle County will receive $12,465 to invest in essential equipment and cold storage expansion. The business uses vegetables grown on its own farm and local ingredients like sausage and flour, per the release.

The expansion is expected to triple production, increase purchases from local farms, expand distribution to underserved communities and create local jobs.

Cumberland County will receive $50,000 to construct a cold storage facility to store produce at Spruce Berry Farm. The addition is expected to help improve food access in the surrounding area, per the release.

Nine other recipients of the latest round of funding include the creation of an aesthetic entryway in Bland County, the establishment of a new farmers market in Buchanan County and the purchase of a cattle handling system in Prince Edward and Charlotte counties.

The AFID Infrastructure Grant program was created by the General Assembly in 2021 and administered by VDACS. The program looks to support community infrastructure and local farmers and food producers.

The maximum grant award is $50,000. The next application round for the grants opens on March 16. For more information, visit the AFID Infrastructure Grants webpage.