Improvements are coming to the Historic Roanoke City Market, thanks to a $50,000 infrastructure grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Awarded in late June and accepted by Roanoke City Council in early August, the funding will provide new awnings for the market – boosting vendor capacity, creating space for additional sellers, and ensuring the market operates at its full potential. Ritz Awning Co. has been selected to fabricate and install the new awnings, with installation anticipated this fall.
This grant is part of a statewide initiative by Governor Glenn Youngkin to bolster local food production and agricultural facilities across Virginia. A total of 12 projects received grants totaling over $497,000 under the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
The AFID infrastructure grant program is designed to provide reimbursable funds primarily for capital projects at new and existing food hubs, farmers’ markets, commercial kitchens, and other value- added facilities. These investments are crucial for strengthening a locality’s capacity to attract and support small and mid-scale agricultural operations, fostering economic development, creating new jobs, and addressing food security within communities.
Mandy Cribb, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Roanoke, highlighted the significance of the award: “This grant will help breathe new life into our Historic City Market, which is not only a cornerstone of our downtown but also a vital link in our local food system. Thanks to our partnership with Downtown Roanoke Inc., who manage the market and will help facilitate the installation, the new awnings will directly improve conditions for our dedicated vendors, enhance the visitor experience, and ultimately allow us to fully utilize the market infrastructure, fostering greater economic activity and access to fresh, local produce in Downtown Roanoke.”
Tina Workman, President and CEO of DRI stated, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the City of Roanoke to improve and enhance the Historic Roanoke City Market, which is a vital and cherished part of our downtown. By managing the market daily, we understand the immediate benefits it will bring to our local farmers, artisans, and neighboring businesses.”
