Two St. Joseph area agricultural businesses are receiving state grants aimed at improving the delivery of locally grown food throughout Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced this week that Hawkeye Farms and MI Dad’s Farm are among the recipients of its Last Food Mile grant program, which supports food transportation and distribution infrastructure.
Hawkeye Farms, which operates as Mick Klug Farms, was awarded $99,400 to retrofit a cargo van with refrigeration equipment. The farm plans to use it to expand offerings through its Community Supported Agriculture program and work with food distributors.
Meanwhile, MI Dad’s Farm received $101,000 to purchase a refrigerated vehicle that will help increase distribution of Michigan-grown foods to grocery stores, farmers markets, food pantries, and community groups.
MDARD Director Tim Boring says the grants are intended to strengthen Michigan’s food distribution system and improve access to locally grown produce.
The Last Food Mile grant program received more than 130 applications statewide and will support 21 projects across Michigan.
