January 23, 2013

Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler will visit Springfield Friday morning for a guided tour of the new YMCA of the Ozarks commercial kitchen facility. Mary Kromrey of YMCA of the Ozarks will lead the tour.

During the visit, Dr. Hagler will also recognize YMCA of the Ozarks and Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition for receiving local foods matching grants from the Department. The grants will support the groups' efforts to connect those in the Springfield area with fresh, locally grown produce, including providing equipment for the commercial kitchen. Grant funds will also go to support the Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition's Dig In R-Twelve program, which teaches students about fresh foods through a network of volunteers and school gardens.

This is the second year for the Local Foods Matching Grants program. A total of eight grants were awarded state wide.

WHO: Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler, the Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition's Melissa Millsap and Mary Kromrey of YMCA of the Ozarks

WHAT: Guided facility tour, including new commercial kitchen area, and recognition of grant recipients

WHEN: Fri., January 25, 2013 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: YMCA of the Ozarks - Homegrown Food 607 Pickwick Ave. Springfield, Mo. 65802

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