On Wednesday, February 15, USDA announced the 2011 recipients of the Community Food Projects grants.  Community Food Projects, a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program, seeks to fight hunger and food security through community-driven food systems, specifically in low-income communities.  The year’s 27 grants totaled $4.8 million.  Projects funded include a teen-run community kitchen incubator, faith-based community food assessments, and a program to help indigenous people return to healthful eating.

“Hunger remains an important issue in the United States. Last year, 17.2 million households faced food insecurity—meaning they lacked consistent access to adequate food,” said Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon. “The grants supported by the Community Food Projects empower local organizations to respond to food and nutrition needs in their own communities.”

The list of funded projects can be found here.