Cohen Welcomes Deputy U.S. Agriculture Secretary to Memphis

Congressman also announces nearly $750,000 in federal funding for community development

[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden to Memphis, discussed his efforts to eliminate food deserts and increase Memphians’ access to healthy foods with her, and joined the Deputy Secretary on a tour of the South Memphis Farmers Market (photo). The South Memphis Farmers Market is a collaborative effort between neighborhood residents, the University of Memphis, and The Works, Inc., an organization dedicated to developing the South Memphis community for which the Congressman also announced a $741,000 federal investment today.

“Deputy Secretary Harden’s visit to Memphis sheds light on the important issues of food insecurity and inadequate access to fresh, healthy foods,” said Congressman Cohen. “Unfortunately, these are issues that too many Memphians—and too many Americans—face. We should do all that we can to keep children and families healthy, and I will continue to work closely with the Deputy Secretary and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase access to fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables and reduce food insecurity.”

Deputy Secretary Harden was in Memphis today to highlight the opening of the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant application period. The FINI grant program helps encourages Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables by providing additional support to food pantries, farmers markets, and other retailers that offer certain benefits shown to increase participants’ access to healthy foods.

During this session of Congress, Congressman Cohen introduced H.R. 3015, the Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas Act, to help reduce the prevalence of “food deserts” and help ensure that healthy, fresh food is available throughout the nation, including in urban areas. The legislation would provide tax incentives for the establishment of supermarkets in empowerment zones and formerly designated renewal communities. More information about the legislation can be found here.

The nearly $750,000 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funding for The Works, Inc., announced by Congressman Cohen today comes through the Administration for Children & Families Community Economic Development (CED) grant program. The CED program aims to address the economic needs of low-income individuals and families through the creation of sustainable business development and employment opportunities that lead to increased self-sufficiency. More information about the CED program can be found here.

“This funding will help the South Memphis community develop and improve the lives of Memphians,” said Congressman Cohen.

The South Memphis Farmers Market is located at the corner of Mississippi Boulevard & South Parkway.