COVID-19 relief is making its way to Indiana’s meat processors. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has awarded $4 million from the federal CARES Act to 41 businesses through its Indiana Meat Processing Expansion & Development Grant Program.
Locally, J & J Quality Meats in Bourbon and John’s Butcher Shop in Nappanee were both awarded the maximum $150,000. Slabaugh Meat Processing in Nappanee got just over $59,000.
The money can be used for equipment upgrades, staff training, personal protective equipment, or a number of other uses designed to strengthen the food supply chain. Grant recipients have to provide a 50-percent match. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture says the 41 recipients were chosen from a pool of 60 applicants.
