As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), prepared frozen foods company, International Food Solutions (IFS) was granted $9,575,250.
“This investment in poultry processing will help make our supply chains more resilient, bring down prices and bring jobs back home to Ohio,” said U.S. Senator from Ohio Sherrod Brown. “I’m glad to see the USDA continuing to fulfill its promises by putting Ohioans first, investing in Ohio food processing and manufacturing, and helping ensure that every Ohio family has access to the food they need.”
What will IFS use the money for?
After the pandemic, IFS’s supply chain faltered, so the company built its own poultry processing facility to regain control. To expand its processing capabilities, IFS plans to convert a vacant building in Cleveland, Ohio, into another poultry processing plant – a $75 million investment called “Project Renaissance.”
The project is expected to create 230 jobs, according to a letter Brown sent the USDA encouraging the organization to consider IFS’s application.
What is the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program?
Under the USDA Rural Development division, the MPPEP provides funds to meat and poultry processors to encourage competition and maintain the health of the supply chain. Funds can be used for projects like building or updating facilities, meeting safety requirements and protecting food safety.
Other companies that have received funding include Goffle Road Poultry Farm, which expanded and modernized its facilities, and Michigan Turkey Producers, which was awarded over $1.5 million to expand its processing capabilities.
Who is International Food Solutions?
Originally based in Florida, IFS provides frozen, prepared foods to restaurants, casinos, cafeterias, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, military and retail stores, according to its website.
It sells products under two brands: Asian Food Solutions and Comida Vida.
