In this issue:

Creating Food Processing Businesses in Arkansas

Local Foods Open Space Community Discussion

SBA Assistance Program

Heifer Ranch Virtual Field Trip

Webinar Opportunities
Are you interested in starting your own food business? Join Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, Dr. Renee Threlfall, Angela Gardner and Julia Fryer to learn more about processing value-added foods, markets for selling your product, business planning and a unique opportunity to launch your company at the Share Grounds. After attending this webinar, you will be eligible to apply for our new program where you will receive one-on-one business start-up assistance! Unable to attend the webinar but interested in the program? Contact Julia Fryer at jfryer@uaex.edu or 501-671-2181 for more information.
Local Foods Open Space Community Discussion

Join us for a bi-weekly open space discussion with the local foods community. We invite farms, food stands, farmers markets, CSA's, small grocers, cottage food businesses, farm-to-school programs, restaurants, pop-up food shops, and other food businesses to attend. Registration is free!

SNAP Benefits Expansion
May 26 | 2:30-4:30 pm
*Please note this meeting will be on Tuesday due to Memorial Day*

Melissa Terry, Food Policy Researcher and MS AgEd Candidate in the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas , will discuss the online expansion of SNAP benefits at both the national and state level in reaction to increased demand from COVID-19. A Q&A discussion will follow.

Local Food Access and School Nutrition
June 8 | 2:30-4:30 pm

Sarah Lane, Farm to School & Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, will provide updates on the Arkansas COVID-19 Food Access Map, school meals, and farm to school programming for Arkansas.

Ally Mrachek, Child Nutrition Director for Fayetteville Public Schools, will discuss how they have adapted and continued to serve meals to students amid COVID-19.
New Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. 
Hiefer Ranch will be going live on YouTube for a tour of their certified organic production gardens. Join the tour to learn more about gardening best practices and to have your questions answered live throughout the event.
Webinar Opportunities
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Direct Assistance to Producers Webinar

May 14 | 12 pm

This webinar is for farmers, ranchers and other producers interested in applying for direct support through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The application process and required documentation will be discussed.
Launching a CSA during COVID-19: The law on your side

May 14 | 3 pm

Are you shifting your farm business to a CSA model during the time of COVID-19? We'll cover the top things you need to do to make sure the law is on your side. This webinar is taught by an experienced CSA farmer who has been there and knows how to help!
Adding home delivery of your farm goods, without adding legal risks

May 15 | 3 pm


Providing home delivery services is a great option to increase sales for many farms during this time. But, home delivery can introduce legal complications. This webinar will cover the additional legal concerns that arise and give you action steps to move forward.
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