Local businesses receive meat processing grants

Four area meat processors and the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center were recently awarded grants through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant program. The grants are designed to help small and medium-sized meat processors improve their capacity to ensure a steady meat supply in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“The impacts of COVID-19 have highlighted how fragile the nation’s supply chain can be, especially when it comes to meat processing,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “It’s crucial that our producers have viable options for getting their meat to market. Investing in meat processing infrastructure will help our Montana producers, strengthen local food systems, and bolster food security for Montanans in communities across the state.”

The Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (MMFEC) received $72,500 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. MMFEC is a division of the Lake County Community Development Corporation and operates a multi-use food processing, research and development facility in downtown Ronan. Four additional grants were awarded to MMFEC clients:

Montana Marbled Meats in Polson received $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

Round Butte Custom Cuts in Ronan received $136,477 to assist with equipment purchases and mobile slaughter unit to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

Superior Meats in Superior received $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity.

Lower Valley Processing in Kalispell received $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

Funding for the MMPIG was provided by the state’s allocation of federal relief dollars made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with a maximum award of $150,000. Over 60 businesses across Montana received a total of over $7.5 million funding through the program.

If your food business is interested in applying for future funding opportunities, please contact Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center’s Food and Ag Program Manager, Taylor Lyon at 406-676-5912.