A group of local organizations and entrepreneurs have been named the recipients of grant funding that will allow for an enlivened food scene in South Corvallis, an area known for its limited food resources. Christopher Jacobs, economic development manager for Corvallis, said the main goals are to make new connections within the food system, incubate food businesses , improve food access in South Corvallis and support equitable outcomes for those affected by the pandemic and for those who have been traditionally underserved. The funding comes from the South Corvallis Food Hub grant program.
The total available budget is $495,000, $50,000 of which is from the city of Corvallis. The remainder is provided by Oregon State Legislature American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, which was designed to revitalize the American economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were provided to Benton County with the goal of establishing a food hub in South Corvallis , and the program is administered by the Corvallis Benton Economic Development office.
The recipients are: Benton County Food Forum , $5,000 to fund the delivery of meals and produce from the Southtown Stand & Farmers’ Market, which hosts multiple vendors in South Corvallis. The organization will use a combination of e-bikes, cargo bikes and conventional bikes to deliver food directly to consumers. Flicker & Fir, LLC , the business that operates the Southtown Stand & Farmer’s Market, $37,000 for improvements to the market, .
