Grants to help Northwest Arkansas farmers expand operations

Northwest Arkansas Food Systems will start helping farmers with grants before the newly announced $31 million Springdale hub opens in early 2024.

• The Walton Family Foundation (WFF) launched NWA Food Systems to help local farmers and food entrepreneurs grow their businesses and give residents more access to locally grown food.

What's happening: The food systems initiative received $730,000 from WFF to make the grants.

Why it matters: The grants will help farmers expand operations, improve soil health and provide access to local produce through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Details: WFF did not provide a breakdown for how funds will be divided, but this is where they will be distributed:

• The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will create the Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers pilot program for farmers in Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties, with grants up to $15,000.
• Community Clinic will expand a pilot SNAP program that improves regular access to locally grown foods.
• The University of Arkansas will launch the Northwest Arkansas Specialty Crop Soil Health Program to teach growers how to improve soil health.