State allocates CARES money for some grocers
The state is making federal funding available to businesses — such as grocery stores — that sold fresh produce during the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday that $10 million is available for these companies. The funds are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — CARES Act — and available to for-profit, nonprofit, or cooperative entities affected by COVID-19. This includes grocery stores, corner stores, convenience stores, neighborhood markets, bodegas, food hubs, mobile markets, farmers markets and several other food collection centers that provide supplies to the public.
“This pandemic has revealed many things, one of the most prevalent has been about where our food comes from — how it gets from the farm to those who need it,” said state Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “We need to stimulate local economies, increase market opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers, create jobs and contribute to better health by improving access to fresh, local foods — we need to feed Pennsylvania, now and in the years to come.”
Redding said the relief fund aims to strengthen local food systems and improve food security and nutrition. The program will be administered by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Department of Community & Economic Development. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 14. The grant will cover coronavirus-related costs incurred between March 1 and Nov. 30.