Inspirational downtown revitalization stories are happening all over the country. The article linked here describes how a small town in Kentucky was able to use a local food movement to bring new business into their struggling Main Street area. The program that they used was through EPA’s Local Foods, Local Places initiative and partners with other federal agencies.

Bringing people back downtown to live, work and play is key. To do that you need places to eat, places to shop.” — Patty Cantrell

For planning in your downtown district, check out the Virginia Department of Consumer and Agriculture Services for potential planning funds. Do you have a favorite Virginia town that is using local food to revitalize their downtown? We would love to hear your success stories, so email them to us at mainstreet@dhcd.virginia.gov.