Central California Food Bank photo via nmtccoalition.org

The Central California Food Bank in Fresno is expanding its capacity to distribute food and essential supplies to rural Central Valley communities with support from $927,200 in federal grants.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Bryan Anguiano visited the food bank to highlight the investments, according to a USDA Rural Development announcement.

The funding consists of two USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program grants and is part of a three-year, $1.27 million project supporting food distribution, daily operations and equipment upgrades.

The project is intended to strengthen the Central California Food Bank’s pantry and neighborhood market programs and increase its ability to provide nutritious food and essential supplies.

The USDA funding will support services in 19 rural communities across Fresno, Madera and Tulare counties: Allensworth, Alpaugh, Biola, Cantua Creek, Coarsegold, Goshen, Ivanhoe, Oakhurst, Pixley, Poplar, Raisin, Rich Grove, San Joaquin, Strathmore, Tranquility, Traver, Caruthers, Lemon Cove and Springville.

“Food assistance is only as strong as the infrastructure behind it. By investing in the Central California Food Bank’s distribution capacity and equipment upgrades, USDA Rural Development is helping ensure that rural communities have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food — now and for years to come,” Anguiano said.

The investment is focused on infrastructure behind food distribution, including storage capacity and equipment needed to support the food bank’s operations in rural areas.

The USDA also recently announced $7.5 million in grant funding through its Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Assistance Program. The program is available to food assistance organizations seeking cold-storage equipment needed to safely store, package and distribute fresh and frozen foods.

According to the USDA announcement, organizations receiving the cold-chain funding can receive subawards of up to $200,000 for commercial refrigerators, freezers and other equipment, including installation and related costs.