U.S. Department of Commerce invests $1.3 million to support the expansion of Columbia’s Farmers Market
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Columbia Farmers Market has been awarded a grant worth $1.3 million.
It was funded by the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration using American Rescue Plan funds.
The money will go towards creating more indoor space to accommodate double the current number of vendors, local small business funds and to provide more access to locally grown food.
They are hoping to start working on the project this fall.
"In 2021, we saw our best year ever on record and we've been open since 1980. That growth I attribute to what we currently have. And I anticipate that with that expansion if we will continue to grow as a hub for local food," said Corrina Smith.
The investment will be matched with over $320,000 in local funds and it's expected to create 88 jobs.
“This project will increase the capacity for local vendors to sell their products and support a growing and diverse regional economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo.
