The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently selected a group of local nonprofits to receive $355,843 through the Local Food Promotion Program of the Agricultural Marketing Service, to support the launch of Durango Regional Food Recovery Hub.

New partners include Local First, Durango School District 9-R, Cooking Matters and the Bozeman, Montana, American Independent Business Alliance (fiscal sponsor).

The recovery hub will provide more access to locally-produced agricultural goods, develop new farm and ranch market opportunities, and increase food security in La Plata and Montezuma counties.

The grant will fund a full-time coordinator, equipment rentals for food distribution, community engagement, information tools and access to the Durango School District 9-R Aggregation Center as a distribution facility.

“Years of good work culminated in the submission and approval of this proposal to the Agricultural Marketing Service,” Monique DiGiorgio, Local First managing director, said in a news release.

A remaining $50,000 is needed by Jan. 1 for workforce capacity and food recovery supplies.

To donate, visit www.fruitglean.org.