The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agricultural Marketing Service, announced May 15th that the Opelousas General Health System Foundation is one of sixteen recipients throughout the nation to receive support to help boost our local economy. The outcome of this assistance will be used to support local farmers and to promote clean air, safe water, open space, and healthy food choices.
The assistance is provided through the Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP) program, a federal initiative that helps communities reinvest in existing neighborhoods and improve quality of life through the sustainable development of their local food economy. The selected communities will get access to a team of federal, state, and regional agricultural, environmental, public health, architectural and economic development experts to help develop an action plan, set goals, and identify local assets that can support the local food economy and contribute to downtown and neighborhood revitalization.
The OGHS Foundation plans to build upon a recent Brownfield's assessment of downtown to explore how a cultural tourism hub can bridge gaps between revitalization and healthier cultural eating alternatives.
"The OGHS Foundation and our affiliate Healthy St. Landry are honored to receive this opportunity to carry out our mission of creating a Healthier St. Landry for all. This project will give our community the roadmap we need to continue to improve our health factors and outcomes," said Tracey Antee, OGHS Foundation Director.
"The Trump Administration is committed to helping communities develop and strengthen their local food economy by investing in opportunity zones," said EPA
Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Support for local food initiatives will improve access to fresh foods, support our local farmers, and grow new businesses, all of which lead to happier and healthier communities."
North Lake Charles has also been selected for the grant. Read more on that here.
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