Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced Monday more than $8.4 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 14 projects, among which is Montgomery County’s Millstone Kitchen Food Program.
The grants are aimed at helping rural communities across Virginia respond to recover from the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through Montgomery County, Millstone Kitchen received a grant of $126,586. In partnership with the local nonprofit organization Live Work Eat Gather, Montgomery County will utilize the Millstone Kitchen to bolster and expand meal delivery services.
This program will organize local caterers operating out of the Millstone Kitchen, a commercial, shared-use kitchen that is a part of the Old School at Prices Fork, to prepare and deliver at least 600 meals per week to six community-based organizations for six months. CDBG funding will provide a managing director for this operation, reliable contract work for caterers and the delivery of meals to vulnerable populations in the area.
“Our administration remains committed to investing in rural communities during this unprecedented health crisis and as we work to rebuild Virginia’s economy,” said Gov. Northam. “This funding will go a long way to address the immediate needs of Virginia families and provide relief to small businesses, so they are better prepared for economic growth despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic.”
“Virginia continues to take an innovative approach in providing resources to assist households and businesses throughout the commonwealth as they navigate this pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “From housing to business assistance, this CDBG funding will create healthy and safe ways for Virginians to move forward with recovery efforts.”
