Old grove oranges expanding local food systems project aims to significantly bolster the capacity of local farmers ranchers and processors within the inland empire by connecting them to a growing…

Old grove oranges expanding local food systems project aims to significantly bolster the capacity of local farmers ranchers and processors within the inland empire by connecting them to a growing network of institutional markets. This project will enable old grove orange OGO a farmerled food hub with 16 years of experience to upgrade its infrastructure and expand its capabilities for processing aggregation distribution and the development of valueadded agricultural products requested by institutional clients. The project will support the establishment of new markets within K12 public school districts university cafeterias and local restaurants increasing sales of local agricultural products by 35. The project anticipates supporting at least 10 new farmers bolstering the supply chain and generating increased revenue for regional food producers. The anticipated outcomes include expanding ogos customer base and developing ten new markets resulting in a strengthened local food system. The primary beneficiaries of this project include farmers ranchers and processors seeking to meet the demands of institutional buyers as well as the consumers who will have increased access to fresh locally sourced food. This project will contribute to a more robust and reliable supply chain strengthening the economic opportunities for producers and providing enhanced access to fresh food for the community.