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. .

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 14. The grant will cover coronavirus-related costs incurred between March 1 and Nov. 30.

To be eligible for The Fresh Food Financing Initiative, more than 50 percent of all consumer sales for businesses must come from staple and perishable foods, and retailers must serve customers living in low-to-moderate income areas. Additionally, stores interested in applying must show they carry high-quality fresh produce, along with meat and dairy products and other healthy grocery items, and also accept SNAP and WIC to the maximum extent possible.

Those interested can apply online at agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.

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