Washington, D.C.
– U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Centro Cultural has earned a $366,150
federal grant to improve community food security by increasing production
of fresh fruit and vegetables year-round for the Washington County
organization’s clients.
“Centro Cultural has
proven itself over the past 50 years to be an essential resource that
Washington County can count on to improve health and create economic
opportunities for underserved communities,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified this community mainstay has
earned this federal investment that will build on its strengths to help even
more people in Washington County have reliable access to quality food.”“None of us should
go to bed hungry, or miss out on access to fruits and vegetables so critical to
a healthy diet,” said Senator Merkley. “For too many people, though, that’s reality. This funding for Centro
will strengthen the ability of farming communities in Washington County to
deliver the nutritious food that families need right there in their own
communities for years to come. I am looking forward to seeing the benefits this
funding brings.”
The
$366,150 grant for Centro Cultural is from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Community Food
Projects competitive grant program. The federal program works to meet the food
needs of low-income individuals through food distribution, community outreach
to assist in participation in federally assisted nutrition programs, or
improving access to food as part of a comprehensive service.
“Centro is
thrilled to build a partnership with the USDA to continue our mission of
serving working people in Oregon with quality services,” said Maria
Rubio, Executive Director of Centro Cultural. “This award from the USDA will give us the ability to meaningfully
increase access to culturally specific organic foods in our Centro Mercado food
pantry year round.”
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