After the closure of two grocery stores in Butte, Montana, community leaders grew increasingly concerned about the limited availability of fresh and local food. In 2021, a group of these leaders initiated the Butte Food Co-Op, with the goal of better connecting the community to their regional food supply. Still in the launch phase, the Butte Food Co-Op board and early members are working towards creating a storefront that allows customers to purchase food from local producers, keeping the food system local while building Butte’s economy.

By Stephanie Speicher, Lancaster Farming 

LEBANON, Pa. — Steven and Bonnie Wenger have been talking about adding solar energy to Wen-Crest Farms for 15 years.

A federal grant has finally made it possible.

The Wengers are installing a 243-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system that will save them an estimated $29,500 a year.

The project, designed and built by Paradise Energy Solutions, is partially funded through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program.

On Friday, August 2, 2024; Hardeman County Community Health Center opened the doors of their new Women and Children’s Clinic in Bolivar, Tennessee. The clinic hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for a brand-new facility more than 5,000 square feet. Hardeman County Community Health Center received more than $2 million in Community Facilities Loans and Emergency Rural Healthcare Grants to construct this new facility.

USDA Rural Development program dollars do more than just increase prosperity – they save lives.

Each year, Wolfe County, Kentucky, sees tens of thousands of rock climbers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who visit Red River Gorge and surrounding recreational areas. Anyone who’s spent any time in the woods can tell you, sometimes bad stuff happens.

“In 2023, we did 73 rescues,” said Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team Chief John R. May. “We handle more rescues than any other team in Kentucky.”

When walking down main street in Anaconda, Montana, it’s easy to find The Bighorn Bottle Shop and Wine Bar. What used to be a run-down building is now an influential part of the community. The brick-and-mortar storefront offers wine and beer selections from across the world. “Many people are surprised to see that The Bighorn exists in Anaconda,” stated owner Vanessa Romero. “Not only does it exist, but it thrives!” Customers come from across the state to take part in tastings and shopping at The Bighorn.

Lukan’s Farm Resort will generate enough energy to power 15 homes through the Rural Energy for America Program, which helps small businesses and farms invest in renewable energy. Lukan’s Farm is expected to save around $23,600 per year by switching to solar.

Luan’s is family-owned, and John Hochreither, the resort’s president, hopes the grant will grow the business. The farm passed through three generations, starting with Hochreither's grandparents. Hochreither now runs Lukan’s alongside his brother, and he said the two juggle lots of jobs.