Schenker family farms (SFF) raises beef, hogs, and chicken

They sell the majority of their meat through consumer direct channels, including online markets, farmers' markets, and a subscription based delivery service. The company also sells a limited amount of food into retailers in the kansas city market and is an approved supplier to whole foods market and nature's pantry. SFF further processes meat into ready to heat/eat meals, including enchiladas, take and bake chicken pot pies, chili, and other regional favorites. By processing meat into entrees, the company can improve margins on relatively low value products. For example, pork shoulders can be processed into pork green chili stew, ground beef can be processed into beef enchiladas, etc. The company hopes to expand processing and distribution of these products. The mccune, kansas facility operates as a processing area, distribution staging area, and cold storage area for the company. SFF is seeking USDA inspection for the facility so that IT can expand the market for its specialty foods. Currently, the company only sells these products through consumer-direct channels. Having a USDA inspected product would allow the company to sell through additional distribution channels. Grant funds will be used to get the facility ready for inspection. Grant funds will be used to hire a haccp consultant to develop a comprehensive food safety plan for the facility; packaging and labeling equipment and supplies; and facility improvements to expand the staging, loading and cold storage areas to ensure correct segregation of fresh/refrigerated and frozen products.