Transaction Description:
TOWN MADE SERVES AS A FOOD PRODUCTION, AGGREGATION, AND MARKETING HUB, SERVING WASHINGTON COUNTY RHODE ISLAND AND BEYOND. LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION IS A HIGH COST, LOW PROFIT PROPOSITION FOR THE FOOD ENTREPRENEUR. THE COST OF OPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COMMERCIAL KITCHENS WHILE ADHERING TO FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS IS COST PROHIBITIVE FOR MOST POTENTIAL LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS. LOCAL FOOD ENTREPRENEURS LACK BOTH SHARED USE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN FACILITIES AND ORGANIZATION SUPPORT INCLUDING BUSINESS, REGULATORY, MARKETING, AND FOOD PROMOTION. THE LACK OF RESOURCES DECREASES THE ACCESS TO LOCAL FOOD BY LOCAL PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY UNDER SERVED COMMUNITIES.TOWN MADE SEEKS USDA LFPP FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT A SCHOLARSHIP FUND TO FOSTER ACCESS TO ITS COMMERCIAL KITCHEN FACILITIES TO UNDER SERVED COMMUNITIES, EXPAND ITS FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES, AND PROVIDE BUSINESS AND MARKETING SUPPORT TO ASSIST LOCAL FOOD ENTREPRENEURS IN BRINGING THEIR PRODUCTS TO MARKET.