A $20 thousand grant will be used in an effort to advance urban agriculture and healthy food systems in Columbia.By Mychaela Bruner (Columbia, Mo.)
Columbia will partner with Kansas City and St. Louis on the project funded by the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. Sustainability manager Barbara Buffaloe said the grant will have an impact on local economy and health.
“We are encouraging local providers and suppliers for our food and also helping improve the health of our citizens. So that they are eating healthy, eating locally, and it’s really good for the planet, the people, and our profit,” said Buffaloe.
City officials and urban agriculture groups said they will use the study’s findings to better support local, healthy food production. The funding for this grant will continue through May 31, 2012.