RAINELLE, W.Va. — U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito announced Friday that the Greenbrier County town of Rainelle was selected as one of six communities nationwide to win the federal Local Foods, Local Places competition.
The competition is hosted by the federal EPA, Appalachian Regional Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Delta Regional Authority.
“Agriculture has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth in West Virginia, and Rainelle is setting an example that communities throughout our state should replicate,” said Capito. “I am proud to congratulate Rainelle on this tremendous accomplishment and I look forward to seeing its local food initiative in action.”
“I join all West Virginians in congratulating the town of Rainelle for being recognized by the ‘Local Foods, Local Places’ Program for its commitment to improving the community,” Manchin said. “Rainelle is now a better place to do business, raise a family and live healthier, longer lives because of their investment in the health of local residents. The program allows the community of Rainelle to pass the plate to their friends and family to create a healthier culture for themselves and for future generations. Rainelle’s success and determination sets an example for all West Virginia communities. I applaud their continued success.”
Rainelle will receive up to $20,000 in ARC grant funding to implement the economic development action plan it developed as part of the competition with assistance from the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation.