Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) were announced today.  Planning for access to fresh food is a part of these grants, so there may be a good opportunity to partner with your regional planning commission if they are a grant awardee.  If you have further questions about this program, you can contact the HUD Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at (202) 708-2404.

The attached memo from USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan is must-reading for anyone interested in USDA support for building local food system enterprises.  It's a very helpful synopsis of some key opportunities for farmers, non-profits, local governments, cooperatives, businesses, and others.  Three programs are described: