An evening of treats, wine, and fun was enjoyed by those attending the Chamber of Commerce Mixer held at the Maine Street Cafe on Wednesday, April 14. Then a beautiful spring afternoon welcomed attendees to the monthly Chamber Luncheon held at the Fallon Golf Course on Thursday, April 15. Two perfect days, two perfect events – they're back.
About 20 people attended the Mixer that was held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Wenceslao Sandoval prepared an assortment of appetizers including elk sausage flatbread, pulled pork sliders, Thai chicken, and Thai beef wraps. Wine, coffee, and water were also available, all served with a side of conversation and fun.
There were almost 40 people in attendance for the Chamber Luncheon where a presentation was given by Kelli Kelly, the Fallon Food Hub Director. The particulars of the Food Hub's Farm Share program were presented first, followed by an update on the progress of the new Food Hub building.
Kelly discussed federal and state funding programs the Food Hub is pursuing this year, one of which will provide up to $80,000 to invest in local farmers to reduce food insecurity in our community. “Local Farms Commodity Distribution uses the funds to combat food insecurity and ensure people have good, healthy, and nutritious food choices,” Kelly said. That amount, combined with $70,000 in funding from the Community Food project brings $150,000 in supplemental sales to local farmers. Project funds go towards buying local commodities from local farmers for food distribution.
Kelly told the group, “One benefit that came out of 2020 was that people started thinking about how to engage with their local farmers, and the number of farm shares skyrocketed.” The Farm Share program has grown immensely since the Food Hub took over responsibility for it. Last year, 3,165 subscription boxes, each having 8 to 10 types of produce per box provided total sales of $82,000. Additionally, 174 dozen eggs, 900 pounds of beef, and 419 one-time purchase boxes were sold. In total, $115,000 in sales were made in locally raised products.
Subscription boxes can be customized to individual tastes. New options this year will include coffee and flowers. Egg production and availability will be increased as well. A new delivery location will be available in Dayton this year, and Kelly is looking to expand into Incline Village and South Reno.
The new Food Hub facility will be built on property the Hub already owns on the northeast corner of South Maine Street and Fairview Street, an empty lot at present. Kelly said the Architectural Design for the new building might be done by end of this month. Additional funding will then be needed for the construction, and Kelly has a plan for that too. She told the group about $2.9 million in stimulus dollars that is coming to Nevada, and that the State is soliciting ideas for projects for that money. Kelly said, “Here’s my 'ask' of all of you: Go to this State website and fill out the form to say 'Fallon needs a Food Hub building'.” https://hal.nv.gov/form/2021_Stimulus/ARP_Ideas_List_Community_Stakeholder
The new Food Hub facility will be located in an area designated as a “food desert” and will increase access to local food along with fresh fruits and vegetables. It is planned to have a shared-use commercial kitchen facility, indoor/outdoor farmers market areas and will be the main food distribution location for the Farm Share boxes.
Questions about any of the Food Hub programs can be emailed to Kelly at [email protected]. More information about the Farm Share program can also be found on their website, https://www.fallonfoodhub.com/ Per the website, they are “changing the world - one vegetable at a time.”
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