Sherman Produce Market Receives CDFA Food Hub Planning Grant
- Natasha Biasell
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
We’re excited to share that Sherman Produce Market, a Black-owned, producer-led food hub in Southwest Fresno, has been selected as one of 12 awardees under the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program. With grant guidance and support from the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)*, Sherman Produce Market will embark on a community-informed planning process to expand its role as a vital aggregation and distribution hub for local, sustainably grown food.
The $250,000 planning grant will support the development of a comprehensive roadmap to guide Sherman Produce Market’s transformation into a fully functional cooperative food hub. The project will focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving logistics and distribution systems, building financial sustainability, and engaging both farmer and buyer partners to ensure the hub reflects the needs of its community. A strategic development plan and marketing strategy will also be created to support long-term growth.
The CDFA’s Farm to Community Food Hubs Program was created by the California Legislature to bolster public-serving food aggregation enterprises, with a focus on advancing climate resilience, supporting small and socially disadvantaged farmers, and strengthening institutional purchasing from local producers—especially those serving schools, food banks, and underserved communities. Twelve projects across California received funding totaling $13.75 million.
Congratulations to Donald Sherman (pictured below) and the Sherman Produce Market team for this exciting milestone. We're excited to see how this planning process lays the foundation for a stronger, more equitable local food system in Fresno County.
*CAFF is a partner of the F3 Initiative, and receives funding support for its Central Valley programs under the F3 Local gear.
Click here to learn more about CDFA's Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program
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