MARION, SC – In January, the Marion County Economic Development Commission announced plans to create a Pee Dee Agriporium Food Hub.
The goal is help local farmers reach more people and sell more produce.
“What I want to really be able to do is share the vision and the adjustments of where we are going and what we’re doing to help people understand that we have a great opportunity here,” mentioned Jody Martin, Director of the Pee Dee Agriporium Food Hub.
On Thursday vening, the newly hired Martin met with farmers and potential business partners at the hub on Bluff Road in Marion to share his vision and provide an update.
“We have the opportunity to be second food hub in the state and there are a lot of eyes on what we are doing,” he said.
Martin took the reins as director for the Pee Dee Agriporium Food Hub last month.
The food hub already has received commitments from over 50 farmers and retailers.
“We have to take this food hub piece, make it work and make it where it is sustainable…and to realize, hey I can participate in that whether I got a little spot of land or I got hundreds of acres,” Martin explained.
In total, $375,000 from both the Marion County Health Care Foundation in grant money along with support from county council has been awarded.
The 25,000 square foot facility sits right off of Highway 501 in Marion will soon be home to a commercial kitchen incubator, packaging area and small business assistance.
It will be next door to a retail store.
“This is the hub for the entire Pee Dee…and we’re kind of in the middle of it which is kind of neat,” added Martin.
The food hub is set to officially open late this fall.
