October 03, 2018

Manchin Announces More Than $760K In HHS Funding For Food Hub In Kanawha County

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) has awarded $760,416 to a community development group in West Virginia. The funding will go to the Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action, or KISRA, to implement the Appalachian Food Enterprise, a food hub that will promote community health, support local food production, local farmers, and create jobs. Senator Manchin sent a letter of support to the Department of Health and Human Services encouraging funding for this project and the benefits it can offer West Virginia.

“Not only does this project offer food security and promote West Virginia farm enterprises, but it also creates jobs for those who need the work the most,” Senator Manchin said. “This funding will offer West Virginia economic, public health, and nutrition benefits that are sustainable and can heal the community.” 

Reggie Jones, CEO, KISRA said, “This project is centered on the idea that our local and regional food system represents an underutilized opportunity for regional economic growth.  The Appalachian Food Enterprise is positioned to make a significant impact on the health and economy of our area by improving access and availability to healthy, nutritious foods while also creating employment opportunities for low-income residents and other groups struggling to secure sustainable employment.” 

The project will create up to 40 full-time, permanent jobs for low-income community residents. These residents will be identified through partnerships with the local TANF agency and workforce board. Each job provides career growth potential as promotions will occur from within the organization.

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