The Wyoming Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Wyoming Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program.

Gov. Mark Gordon appropriated $10 million in federal CARES Act funds to the program, which will provide support for Wyoming meat processing facilities and citizens impacted by supply chain disruptions and regional shutdowns of processing facilities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As anyone who has tried to get a beef cut up this year knows, processing in Wyoming is facing significant bottlenecks in 2020,” Gordon said.

The program seeks to strengthen Wyomings’ local food supply chain and address meat shortages at retail locations and food banks within the state. Wyoming-based meat processing businesses and nonprofits may submit grant applications for capacity-related improvements made before Dec. 30.

The Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program “will help improve our meat processing capacity and ensure our citizens have access to high-quality products,” Gordon said.

The program offers grants of up to $500,000 to eligible businesses and funds cannot make up more than 50% of total costs involved with purchases.

The grants require a portion of processed and retailable products to be provided to local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, prisons, schools or other charitable organizations to help feed hungry or underserved populations.

To facilitate the distribution of funds through this grant as quickly as possible, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture has prepared a simple, secure process for interested parties to apply.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds have been expended and will be reviewed for accuracy, eligibility and completeness by Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, and the Governor’s Office.

The application period opened Sept. 15. Applications and more information can be found at agriculture.wy.gov.