SPARKS – The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) plans to award $750,000 in CARES Act funding within the state to help get fresh foods into the hands of Nevadans and support local agricultural producers.
“In response to the COVID-19 impacts to local food access, Nevada needs inventory and distribution concepts that fit these evolving circumstances,” NDA Plant Industry division administrator Ashley Jeppson said. “Our goal will not only provide easier access for Nevadans to buy locally produced food, but will also support the economic challenges our agricultural industry is experiencing.”
The NDA is looking for projects that will “increase access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and other agricultural products grown or raised in Nevada.” They’re also asking that projects “benefit Nevada agricultural producers, allow for inventory data to be uploaded and updated, and facilitate aggregation and distribution options for products, including delivery options.”
The CARES Act, or Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, was passed by Congress and includes funding to help states address various impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application period for the funding continues through 5 p.m. July 31, 2020. NDA is encouraging community organizations, businesses and individuals to submit project applications.
Applications must be submitted to the NDA via email by the deadline. Full application requirements, including a scoring rubric and federal Coronavirus Relief Fund guidance, can be found online.
