By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an effort to make fresh produce available to all Ohioans, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is providing grants through the Farmers’ Market Access Project. With more than 180 farmers’ markets throughout this state, many stand to benefit from the project.

“This is the second year for these grants and the response the first year was superb,” said Kaleigh Frazier, ODA public information officer. “The money is there and this is a great opportunity for anyone with any size of farmers’ market.”

Officials at the ODA say the funds go to small markets as well as larger ones. Money for the project was made available by Congressional appropriation, with $26,000 for 2010. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and are subject to available funding. Awarded grants will range from $500-$1,000.
“This program is one more effort by the state to increase access to healthy food for all Ohioans,” said ODA Director Robert Boggs. “The department continues work to further strengthen the logistical supply line between the state’s farmers, who grow nutritional local foods, and its consumers, which is underscored by Governor (Ted) Strickland’s Ohio Neighborhood Harvest initiative.”

The initiative is a statewide effort to ensure Ohioans in every neighborhood have access to locally grown, affordable and healthy food.

The goals of the Farmers’ Market Access Project is to increase healthy food choices for all residents and to promote the sale of Ohio foods, which will benefit local farmers and the state economy.
According to USDA research estimates, for every dollar in food assistance benefits that is dispersed, $1.84 is generated in economic activity.

For more information about the project or to apply, visit www.agri.ohio.gov and to find the location of farmers’ markets in Ohio, visit www.ohioproud.org