$250K grant to help North Country groups improve food access

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A $250,000 federal grant will assist two North Country groups in improving access to food.

The Northern Forest Center and the Northern Community Investment Corporation will use the funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Congresswoman Annie Kuster said the grant will help boost local economies and increase access to natural foods grown in New Hampshire.

The program supports private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, and low-income rural communities.

“Our agricultural, tourism, and forest product businesses are so important to the economy in northern New Hampshire and northeastern Vermont,” said Rob Riley, president of the Northern Forest Center. “This grant from USDA will enable the Northern Forest Center and NCIC to continue providing support and innovation services to these working lands businesses.”