The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to RFD CDC to upfit 15,000 square feet of cold storage space in the former Pilgrim’s Pride facility in Wilkes County. RFD CDC is using the cold storage areas to pursue economic development opportunities. A feasibility study has identified local farm businesses with demand for approximately 20,000 pounds of meat storage and produce growers with cold storage demands. In addition, local abattoirs do not have sufficient cold storage to allow them to provide aging and storage services in demand by their clients and have indicated their support for the project. The project also includes a subscription beef sales program, the proceeds of which will be used to subsidize sale of hamburger and stew meat to local food pantries.
