California Grants $750,000 for Local Food Initiatives

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has announced a $750,000 grant to enhance the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which aims to promote healthy, locally grown food consumption among clients receiving nutrition benefits. This funding will support seven projects across various areas, including Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, with grants allocated for technical assistance and nutrition incentives at Certified Farmers' Markets. Additionally, a Grow Your Own Food workshop is set to take place in Newport News, focusing on container gardening methods for limited spaces, alongside a farmers market and a plant giveaway. Participants will have access to starter vegetable plants or seeds, promoting local food production. Both initiatives highlight a growing emphasis on community engagement and access to nutritious food options in California and Virginia.