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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), who leads Ohio's largely Black 11th congressional district, which includes the city of Cleveland and several of its eastern suburbs, announced Thursday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded more than $184,000 to Northeast Ohio food producers and farmers markets.
Famicos Foundation (Famicos) received $100,000, North Union Market (North Union) was given $59,302, and Hattie Larlham Community Services (Hattie Larlham) received $25,000.
“I applaud the USDA for recognizing the need for more access to healthy foods in Ohio,” said Fudge, who is Black. “These grants make it easier for Ohioans to choose better food options by supporting locally-grown produce.”
The awards were distributed through two separate USDA grants aimed at strengthening local food systems and improving the health of all Americans.
Famicos will use the funding to open a new East Side Market in the City of Cleveland, and Hattie Larlham will develop, design and implement a new mobile market.
Fudge said that North Union will work to improve outreach and services for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
Data show that African-Americans, strapped by economic disparities, are less likely to have access to healthier foods.
African -American families have earned $1 for every $2 earned by White families for the past 30 years.10
One in four African American families are food insecure (not having consistent access to adequate food due to lack of money or other resources), compared with 11 percent of White households.13
Food companies disproportionately target their TV advertising for fast food, candy, sugary drink and snack brands to black and Hispanic consumers, according to a report released by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut
As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, Congresswoman Fudge said that she is committed to supporting the agriculture community and combating food insecurity. She also advocates increasing the availability of nutritious and affordable foods.
Fudge sent letters of support for each of the northeast Ohio grant awardees.
“Farmers markets are essential to our local economy," the congresswoman said. "They create jobs and training programs, revitalize neighborhoods, and provide vital resources to those in need,”
A Democrat, Fudge said that she applauds the Famicos Foundation, Hattie Larlham Community Services, and North Union Market for their efforts, and will continue to work with them to improve the lives of all residents in the 11th congressional district.
