Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed celebrated the one-year anniversary of Hope & Main, the state’s first culinary business incubator, and announced a new $85,010 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support the non-profit’s continued efforts to grow culinary businesses in Rhode Island. Hope & Main will use the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant to support their "Schoolyard Market" initiative through community education and outreach, and for staffing and infrastructure improvements for the Schoolyard Market.
Senator Reed helped secure this federal grant, which will help expand the market’s reach while promoting Hope & Main’s mission of helping local food producers grow their marketplace, increase sales, and ultimately create more jobs in Rhode Island. The initiative also has a public education component designed to promote healthy eating and meet the growing consumer demand for fresh, local food.
“It is great to see progress sprouting here at Hope & Main and hopefully this grant will build upon the success of the Schoolyard Market and expand its reach. This place brings people together and helps them connect over great, fresh, local food. Hope & Main is a wonderful community resource for food entrepreneurs of all sizes and a place where they can collaborate, try new recipes, and grow their businesses. I will continue working at the federal level to support Rhode Island’s food economy and help local businesses thrive,” said Senator Reed, who supported Hope & Main’s funding application for this USDA grant.
