University of Nevada, Reno Extension has received federal funding to plan the first food hub in the greater Las Vegas area. The project will be designed to help urban and rural producers access larger markets and customers they may not reach individually, ultimately working to strengthen southern Nevada's food system.
The one-year planning phase is a collaborative effort led by Extension's Healthy Food Systems Program, the Food Business Center, and the Small Business Education Program. Along with agricultural partners and community leaders, the team will develop a business plan for a central location where farmers can deliver their produce. The plan for the facility is to have it be equipped to process, package, and ensure the produce meets food safety standards before being transported to markets in Nevada and beyond.
"Our farmers are mastering the art of growing produce in the area's hot and dry climate," said Sabina Malik, assistant professor and state specialist with Extension. "This initiative aims to ease the financial and time challenges small-scale growers face by helping with distribution, marketing, and packaging – allowing them to focus on what they do best – farming."
The $150,000 grant marks a significant step toward improving food security in southern Nevada, one of the state's most food-insecure regions. It is part of a $6 million nationwide initiative by the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Planning Grant Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support organizations in the initial stages of planning for projects that enhance access to healthy food, particularly in underserved communities.
Read more at Nevada Today