Capito and Manchin Congratulate Town of Rainelle for Winning Local Foods, Local Places Competition

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced that the town of Rainelle in Greenbrier County has been selected as one of six communities nationwide to win the federal Local Foods, Local Places competition.

The competition, hosted by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 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, encourages communities to utilize local food systems in order to revitalize traditional downtowns and promote economic diversification.

“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 Senator 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,” Senator 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. This includes a plan to: utilize vacant land; establish a mentor program for farmers/producers; develop a community grocery store; form a food alliance to educate citizens; and implement an existing street scape design and comprehensive planning for Main Street.

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