Exciting $31 Million Regional Food Hub Launches in Springdale – What It Means for Our Community

On May 29, a vibrant crowd gathered to celebrate the launch of the $31 million Market Center of the Ozarks (MCO) in downtown Springdale. This impressive 45,000-square-foot facility is designed to support local farmers and businesses in getting more fresh food to the community.

According to Emily English, a senior program officer with the Walton Family Foundation, every part of MCO is tailored to help local food producers thrive. “We wanted to create a space where our local food could flourish,” she said. The facility includes cold storage, commercial kitchens, and co-working spaces, all aimed at boosting local agriculture.

MCO operates through two main partners: Spring Creek Food Hub and the Arkansas Food Innovation Center. These organizations work together to provide resources like a shared-use kitchen and food processing services. They also offer workshops and technical support to help small businesses expand their reach.

The MCO initiative is part of a broader effort launched five years ago by the Walton Family Foundation to enhance local food systems. This initiative’s goal is to connect farmers with consumers, making fresh food more accessible. As English put it, MCO is “a piece of a much larger puzzle” that invests in both infrastructure and people.

U.S. Senator John Boozman highlighted that MCO fosters collaboration between farmers and businesses like restaurants. He remarked, “Connecting food grown here to families and entrepreneurs helps everyone.” This connection is crucial as more than 12% of Arkansas families struggled with food insecurity in recent years, according to the USDA.

Wes Ward, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture secretary, emphasized the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, stating it generates a $24 billion impact annually. MCO aims to address food access challenges and create new opportunities for farmers. It serves as a vital resource, particularly for those just starting in the business.

Looking at the farmers benefiting from MCO, Jacob Rowell, who runs King’s River Produce, shared his experience. Growing root crops on his nearly 10-acre farm, he faced challenges in marketing his produce. However, through the support of Spring Creek Food Hub, he found a way to sell his products locally. Rowell noted, “Every step of the way, they’re holding your hand,” helping him secure better prices for his crops.

Historically, the region has struggled with food access. Many farmers felt limited by market opportunities, with wholesale prices often below their expectations. Rowell’s experience illustrates a significant shift: he went from receiving less than $1 per pound for produce a decade ago to about $2 per pound today. This shift has been revolutionary for him and could mean a brighter future for farmers in the area.

MCO isn’t just about food; it’s also fostering a sense of community engagement. Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse noted that the facility will “revitalize downtown” and create more job opportunities. With every new initiative like MCO, the hope is to build a stronger, more resilient local food economy.

MCO brings together essential resources and educational support under one roof, a rarity in the U.S. As English mentioned, “We haven’t seen anything like this anywhere else.” By creating this collaborative space, MCO not only aids farmers but also empowers local entrepreneurs and strengthens the community. It represents a hopeful future for food systems in Arkansas.

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Market Center of the Ozarks