Empowering Rural Iowa: Innovative Grants Boost Food Access and Community Resilience

In a strategic move to address the ongoing market challenges facing local communities, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is now accepting applications for its Rural Innovation Grant Program. This year, the program will focus on improving food access in rural areas, providing a unique opportunity for rural grocery stores and local food processors to access much-needed funding and support.

Revitalizing Rural Iowa, One Innovative Idea at a Time

Strengthening the Backbone of Rural Communities

Grocery stores and food processors play a vital role in the fabric of rural Iowa, serving as the backbone of these communities by providing access to healthy, nutritious food. The Rural Innovation Grant Program recognizes the importance of these businesses and aims to empower them to adapt and thrive in the face of evolving market conditions.Rural grocery stores can now apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative approaches to their operations, such as offering online ordering and home delivery services or establishing cooperative purchasing agreements. These funds can also be used to upgrade critical technology, like electronic shelf tags, to better address the needs of their customers.For small food processors and value-added agriculture businesses, the program offers up to $5,000 in grant funding. This financial support can be used to update or upgrade essential equipment and technology, as well as to cover the fees associated with food safety inspections and other industry-required services.

Investing in the Future of Rural Iowa

The Rural Innovation Grant Program is a testament to the state's commitment to supporting the economic vitality of its rural communities. By providing this financial investment, the IEDA is empowering small business owners to overcome financial burdens and reinvest in their local communities, ensuring that people and jobs remain in rural Iowa for years to come."This grant funding is a unique opportunity to contribute to those efforts in our state," said Cynthia Farmer, senior policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. "Grocery stores and food processors play a critical role in rural communities by providing access to healthy, nutritious food, and this program will help them adapt and thrive in the face of current market challenges."

Eligibility and Application Process

To qualify for the Rural Innovation Grant Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:- Be located and incorporated or authorized to do business in Iowa- Operate in a community of 20,000 or fewer people- Not be in a community that is contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greaterThe program has $200,000 allotted to split between the categories of applicants, with a 50% cash match required. For example, rural grocers requesting $25,000 must have at least $12,500, and rural food processors requesting $5,000 must have at least $2,500.Interested business owners can learn more and submit their applications through the IEDA's website at iowaeda.com/center-for-rural-revitalization/rural-innovation-grant. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 25th.