Senator Jeff Klein announces nearly $1 million in funding for Hunts Point Food Distribution Center

Two grants will be used for improvements at the meat and produce markets

Bronx, NY - Senator Jeff Klein announced nearly $1 million in funding for two separate projects at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center during the annual Greater Hunts Point Chamber of Commerce Tent Party last Thursday. The funding consists of two grants that will be used for improvements at the meat and produce markets.

“The Hunts Point Food Distribution Center is a major economic engine for our region that just a few years ago received a major $150 million investment from the city for upgrades.  I’m proud to continue the trend to help modernize and improve the center by allocating nearly $1 million for improvements at the cooperative and produce markets,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“We are extremely grateful that Senator Klein continues to recognize the significant role that the Hunts Point Cooperative Market, whose businesses distribute over 75% of the meat sold in New York City and the tri-state area, plays in the health of the local and regional economies. Senator Klein does a lot to help the businesses operating here with our efforts to modernize our facility and preserve the safety of the city’s critical food distribution network,” said Bruce Reingold, General Manager of Hunts Point Cooperative Market.

“Senator Klein is a great supporter of the market. When we confronted him with the failing infrastructure he asked what he could do in order to maintain the highest level of food safety,” said Joel Fierman, President of the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Association. “This grant will be used by the market to insure we can keep our lights and refrigeration running. On behalf of the 1,250 union and the thousands of other jobs the market provides to the people of New York City, we can’t thank Senator Klein enough. He knew instantly how to help us.”

One of the grants will be used for renovations to the toll plaza at the Hunts Point Meat Market. That $495,000 grant will provide a new canopy, three new aluminum attendant booths and a new storage and security center. The other $500,00 funding allocation will be used for electrical updates to market power systems at the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market.