City of Roanoke Awarded State Grant to Enhance Historic City Market

ROANOKE, VA – The City of Roanoke is proud to announce it has been awarded a $50,000 infrastructure grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding is part of a statewide initiative by Governor Glenn Youngkin to bolster local food production and agricultural facilities across Virginia. A total of 12 projects received grants totaling over $497,000 under the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

The AFID infrastructure grant program is designed to provide reimbursable funds primarily for capital projects at new and existing food hubs, farmers’ markets, commercial kitchens, and other value-added facilities. These investments are crucial for strengthening a locality's capacity to attract and support small and mid-scale agricultural operations, fostering economic development, creating new jobs, and addressing food security within communities.

The City of Roanoke's grant will be specifically allocated to support vital improvements at the Historic Roanoke City Market, emphasizing the following key benefits:

Enhanced Vendor Capacity: The funds will facilitate the fabrication and installation of new awnings on the market, providing reliable shelter.
Increased Availability: The new awnings will enable vendors to operate at full capacity and create opportunities for additional vendors.
Full Stall Occupancy: This enhancement is expected to help fill all 42 market stalls, maximizing the market's potential as a vibrant community hub.

Mandy Cribb, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Roanoke, highlighted the significance of the award: "This grant is a tremendous boost for our Historic City Market, which is not only a cornerstone of our downtown but also a vital link in our local food system. Thanks to our partnership with Downtown Roanoke Inc., who manage the market and will help facilitate the installation, the new awnings will directly improve conditions for our dedicated vendors, enhance the visitor experience, and ultimately allow us to fully utilize the market infrastructure, fostering greater economic activity and access to fresh, local produce in Downtown Roanoke."

Tina Workman, President of Downtown Roanoke Inc., said, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the City of Roanoke to improve and enhance the Historic Roanoke City Market, which is a vital and cherished part of our downtown. By managing the market daily, we understand the immediate benefits it will bring to our local farmers, artisans, and neighboring businesses.”