June 10, 2022

Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Increase Access to Healthy Food Resources

Charleston, WV — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $713,879 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI). This funding will be used to help develop food systems that support the health and economic vibrancy of five communities across West Virginia.

“Every West Virginian should have access to quality, affordable food and a roof over their head each night. Addressing food insecurity continues to be one of my top priorities, and I am pleased USDA is investing in West Virginia food organizations through its Healthy Food Financing Initiative to strengthen food supply chains, expand grocery delivery and reinforce food outreach efforts,” Senator Manchin said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for resources to combat food insecurity and bolster healthy, nutritious food systems across the Mountain State.”

“West Virginians deserve access to food that is both healthy and affordable, but food deserts that develop in our rural communities often squeeze accessibility, creating major logistical challenges,” Senator Capito said. “This investment from USDA will help serve as a catalyst to build food retail enterprise projects in our communities, and make sure resources reach the parts of the Mountain State where they are needed most.”

Individual awards listed below:
  • $184,069 – Economic Development Greater East (EDGE) Incorporated: Mountain Farm Community Grocery (Kimball, W.Va.)
  • $180,000 – H & T Farm Market: H & T Farm Market Revitalization (Lost City, W.Va.)
  • $154,810 – The Wild Ramp: The Wild Ramp Food Delivery Program (Huntington, W.Va.)
  • $125,000 – H.U. Market: Historically Urban Market aka H.U. Market (Bluefield, W.Va.)
  • $70,000 – Upscaling Retail Sales for Food Access: Upscaling Retail Sales for Food Access (Talcott, W.Va.)