Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $307,243 Grant to Support Small Farm Sustainability and Food Access in the Mississippi Delta

BOLTON, MS. - Congressman Bennie Thompson is pleased to announce a grant award of $307,243 to In Her Shoes, Inc., located in Webb, Mississippi, through USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), to support the Advancing Small Farm Sustainability in the Mississippi Deltaproject. This initiative aims to bolster small farm business sustainability and increase access to fresh produce in low-income, rural communities across the Mississippi Delta. With an additional matching contribution of $76,810.75, the total project funding amounts to $384,053.75.

"This grant provides critical support to local farmers and expands access to fresh, locally grown produce for rural Mississippi communities," said Congressman Thompson. "Through this project, In Her Shoes, Inc.will help small farms integrate into new markets, strengthen the regional food supply, and build a more resilient agricultural economy in the Delta."

The project will offer training, technical assistance, and market integration support for over 30 locally owned small farms. By developing a mobile produce market and enhancing partnerships with programs like the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, the project aims to create new channels for local growers and boost food access for Delta residents.

The project's goals are to expand opportunities for small farms, strengthen local food systems, and ensure that fresh food is accessible to all Mississippi Delta communities.