The recipient entity's physical address:
           1005 3rd Street
Ferriday, LA 71334

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           PO Box 100
Ferriday, LA 71334

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          Sharina Mays

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  9512

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $200,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Sharina Mays, Director-102 Freeman Street Ferriday, LA 71334
Ashley Atkins, Vice-President- 636 Shady Acres Circle Ferriday, LA 71334
Raneisha Mays, President- 3601 Dee Street Apt 1812 Ferriday, LA 71334
Jamesia Webster, Secretary-7536 Proxie Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70817

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           The Delta Food Sytem's mission is to build an organic farm-to-table food system for the Delta Region in Northeast Louisiana. The goal is to build this program over a 5-year period. It aims to recruit 50 new or existing farmers per year. The program was implemented in 2025.

Small farmers in the region are screened and selected to participate in the program. Once accepted, they enter into the program's first phase-The Delta Vendor Program. This portion of the Delta Food System Network helps farmers with the following tasks: creating a respectable brand, ensuring compliance with state/federal business filing requirements, creating a personalized logo and website, creating and managing inventory systems, and knowledge on proper food storage practices. We currently have over 40 farmers enrolled.

The Delta Food System Network is geared towards helping small businesses expand. Farmers are required to take a Sustainable Ag certification course provided by Southern University. This course teaches on hydroponic farming systems, water conservation systems, and soil preservation methods. The program encourages farmers to grow in controlled environments, which will enable food production year-round.

The second phase of the program focuses on transportation logistics. This portion of the program ensures that farmers/vendors have the proper knowledge in regard to transporting and shipping foods using safe measures. Food safety is the highest priority of this program. All farmers must complete trainings on proper food transport and safety.

The final phase of the Delta Food System Network program involves continuing education. The program will require all participants to continuously attend training sessions and workshops provided by collegiate Ag Centers and the Louisiana Department of Health. Members must also obtain an internal annual certificate for continuing education from the Delta Food System Network to keep participants up to date on our goals and missions.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,000
          Professional Services. . . $20,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $100,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $60,000

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Delta Food System Network's public purpose is to provide training and skills for area farmers in order to build a farm-to-table organic food system in the Delta Region.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          The goal is to build the program over a 5-year period by recruiting at least 50 farmers per year. We aim to have over 200 farmers enrolled into the program by 2030.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           5 years

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                 

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Sharina Mays 
                                       address:  102 Freeman Street
Ferriday, LA 71334
                                       phone:  318-475-4047
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  info@21stcenturyworkforce.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director