WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A local hub for budding farmers is among several nearby food distributers that are getting a boost in funding.

The Washington Department of Agriculture recently announced $1.5 million in grants to strengthen local food systems across Washington.

Among the recipients was Cloud Mountain Farm Center – an Everson-based non-profit production farm, education center and nursery. It was awarded over $60,000 to install climate-controlled equipment, which the organization says will expand what products it can offer for producers.

Bellingham-based Bright Threat Farm also received nearly $18,000 for new equipment and increased marketing efforts.

A pair of farms in Skagit County, Bow Hill Blueberries and Sauk Farm LLC, gathered over $100,000 between the two for new equipment to increase their storage capacity.

And three groups from San Juan County took home a combined $127,000, highlighted by the San Juan Islands Food Hub securing over $70,000 for a refrigerated delivery van.

You can find the full list of grant recipients here.