A state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot food hub called The Market Center of the Ozarks officially opened its doors in downtown Springdale on Thursday, May 29.
It will offer education and market access, which will empower farmers and entrepreneurs to get fresh, locally grown food on more tables in NWA, Tom Walton said.
“Market Center of the Ozarks has been years in the making, shaped by the imagination and dedication of a huge team of contractors, architects, visionaries and community partners,” said Emily English, senior program officer of Northwest Arkansas Food Systems, Walton Personal Philanthropy Group. “This facility will provide farmers and food entrepreneurs with the resources and infrastructure they need to expand their businesses and bring more locally grown food to our communities.”
MCO will provide resources such as crop aggregation, certified commercial kitchens, cold storage and technical assistance to strengthen the local food systems in Northwest Arkansas, according to a press release.
Operating partners include AFIC@MCO-Arkansas Food Innovation Center, which is a University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture program, as well as Spring Creek Food Hub.
“I’m thrilled to utilize the equipment MCO offers to support small businesses, local food distribution and food manufacturing,” said Darryl Holliday, director of AFIC@MCO. “By offering food safety certification, processing and packaging resources, AFIC@MCO will empower entrepreneurs to bring their products to larger markets while maintaining high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.”
Spring Creek Food Hub will connect farmers with the community and strengthen the regional food systems.
“We are building a resilient local food system by making it easy to buy local food,” said Anthony Miriscotta, Spring Creek Food Hub executive director. “By streamlining distribution, Spring Creek supports locally grown food reaching more people where they eat, shop, work and play—ensuring health food access for all Northwest Arkansas.”
The facility’s design has been recognized by the 2024 AIA Saint Louis Design Merit Award for Unbuilt Architecture and the 2024 AIA Central States Region Design Honor Award of Unbuilt Architecture.
“Market Center of the Ozarks represents an innovative model that can be replicated nationwide to strengthen local food systems,” Walton said. “Northwest Arkansas has a rich farming heritage, and this facility ensures that our small and mid-size farmers have the resources they need to thrive.”
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