This week, Hurricane Helene devastated central Appalachia and disrupted the lives of people in recovery. Also, in West Virginia, fur trapping continues, even in the 21st century. And, baseball is America’s past-time. One league is making the game more inclusive.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is distributing a series of grants to strengthen the food chain. Jack Walker/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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Eleven new grants have been awards to boost resilience in the state’s food supply.
The largest grant, of more than $600,000 goes to Devil’s Due Distillery in Kearneysville for distillery equipment to expand their capacity.
The grants will support supply chain coordination and technical assistance to farmers and food businesses operating in processing, aggregation and distribution.
Money for these grants comes from $420 million of American Rescue Plan funding signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The governor said the project is a perfect example of how West Virginia is turning its industrial heritage into outdoor recreation, tourism and public health.
A small federal grant program aimed at increasing first-time farmers’ access to land, training and tools was finding fertile ground in West Virginia. But in March, the Trump administration suddenly terminated it, leaving local partners uncertain about their futures.
It’s been a year-and-a-half since Hurricane Helene ravaged central Appalachia. Communities are still recovering, including those who were already in recovery for addiction.