# A Regional Win: Strengthening the Food Loop from Chester to Montgomery County

*The Best Route | Blog*
*Published: April 17, 2026*

Huge news for our local food system! The Best Route, Two Gander Farm, and our partners at Trellis for Tomorrow have all been awarded state grants to grow, store, and distribute fresh food across our region!

A Partnership Rooted in Purpose

At The Best Route, our mission is about more than logistics—it’s about creating a resilient, connected food system. We bridge the gap between hardworking farmers and the communities that need their produce most.

We are thrilled to officially announce that, in partnership with the experts at Two Gander Farm, we have been awarded a $45,000 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Closing the "Freshness Gap"

One of the biggest hurdles for regional growers isn't just growing the food—it’s keeping it fresh. Without adequate cold storage, the window to get peak-season produce from the farm to your plate is incredibly small.

This grant allows us to expand our cold storage capabilities, providing a vital "cooling station" for our regional network of growers. By combining Two Gander Farm’s deep agricultural expertise with The Best Route’s distribution power, we’re ensuring that fresh food stays fresh across Chester and Montgomery Counties.

Spotlight: Growing Together with Trellis for Tomorrow

We aren't the only ones celebrating this week! Our friends and partners at Trellis for Tomorrow—a key force in the Pottstown Area Food Collaborative—were also awarded $38,250 for their Agricultural Learning Center at Lundale Farm.

Trellis for Tomorrow is doing incredible work in the Pottstown area, and this grant will help them:

Expand education: Providing seedlings and hands-on agricultural training for the community.

Fuel the Mobile Market: Strengthening the pipeline of organic produce that reaches local families.

Empower Youth: Continuing their mission of youth-led gardening and food security initiatives.

Seeing multiple awards land within our local collaborative network is a testament to the strength of the Pottstown food scene. When organizations like ours and Trellis for Tomorrow grow together, the entire community eats better.

Why This Matters for You

This investment from the Shapiro-Davis Administration and the PA Farm Bill is a win for the whole region:

For Farmers: It reduces food waste and provides the infrastructure needed to scale.

For Families: It increases access to nutrient-dense, farm-fresh produce in neighborhoods that need it most.

For the Local Economy: By keeping food dollars in our community, we’re supporting sustainable, independent businesses.

What’s Next?

We’re ready to hit the ground running. Click HERE for full market schedule starting June 3rd, 2026 

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Source: https://www.thebestroute.org/blog/the-best-route-two-gander-grant-awards