Northampton, MA – The Northeast Regional Food Business Center awarded the Cooperative Development Institute a $100,000 grant to support emerging networks of cooperative immigrant and Muslim food businesses in the Northeast. The grant will help CDI increase access to affordable and culturally relevant foods and expand markets for the region’s farmers and producers.
CDI’s Immigrant Services Program will use the grant funds to create a Food Security Network, supporting and connecting farmers, producers, and distributors in Massachusetts and Maine, particularly in underserved rural and urban communities.
CDI has already been working with immigrant-owned businesses in the Lewiston-Auburn area of Maine to establish partnerships and meet the rising demand for local halal food. This grant will help to increase capacity and expand distribution with a focus on low-income and immigrant communities.
CDI will provide guidance, technical assistance, and training to the core businesses that are developing these networks and collaborations.
“This grant is key support for immigrant communities to encourage growth and stability of their neighborhoods,” said Pável Uranga, Director of CDI’s Immigrant Services. “It will promote food accessibility/sustainability and support climate resilience. This is a huge step towards strengthening cooperatives interested in participating in a tangible social and solidarity economy. They are interested not only in growing their business but also in building community.That is why they will continue to build together.”
Press Contact:
Heather Holland, Communications Director
e: hholland@cdi.coop
About CDI:
The Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) is a nationally recognized nonprofit and leader, serving communities in the Northeast including New England and New York. Our mission is to develop and strengthen cooperatives to grow a more prosperous and equitable economy. With more than 30 years of experience in cooperative development, CDI addresses the unique needs of our communities by developing and supporting a wide range of cooperative enterprises including housing, businesses and start-ups, and employee ownership transitions.
Sign up for CDI’s newsletter
Follow CDI on social media: Linkedin | Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram
