September 12, 2022

Wyden, Merkley: Centro Cultural Secures $366,000 Federal Grant

Investment from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will help organization provide food for underserved communities in Washington County

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Centro Cultural has earned a $366,150 federal grant to improve community food security by increasing production of fresh fruit and vegetables year-round for the Washington County organization’s clients.


“Centro Cultural has proven itself over the past 50 years to be an essential resource that Washington County can count on to improve health and create economic opportunities for underserved communities,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified this community mainstay has earned this federal investment that will build on its strengths to help even more people in Washington County have reliable access to quality food.”


“None of us should go to bed hungry, or miss out on access to fruits and vegetables so critical to a healthy diet,” said Senator Merkley. “For too many people, though, that’s reality. This funding for Centro will strengthen the ability of farming communities in Washington County to deliver the nutritious food that families need right there in their own communities for years to come. I am looking forward to seeing the benefits this funding brings.” 


The $366,150 grant for Centro Cultural is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Community Food Projects competitive grant program. The federal program works to meet the food needs of low-income individuals through food distribution, community outreach to assist in participation in federally assisted nutrition programs, or improving access to food as part of a comprehensive service.


"Centro is thrilled to build a partnership with the USDA to continue our mission of serving working people in Oregon with quality services,” said Maria Rubio, Executive Director of Centro Cultural. “This award from the USDA will give us the ability to meaningfully increase access to culturally specific organic foods in our Centro Mercado food pantry year round."