The office of U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson has announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $5.2 million in 17 new grants supporting urban agriculture and innovative production. Among the recipients, and the only project selected from Mississippi, is the Mississippi Community House Development Organization in Vicksburg.

Grant recipients, including community gardens and nonprofit farms, will use these funds to increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training and education, and allow partners to develop business plans and zoning proposals.