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RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) The Intertribal Bison Cooperative will receive a $175,000 federal grant to help Native American tribes develop farm market stores.

The stores will give local residents improved access to fresh, locally grown foods.

The U.S. Agriculture Department says the stores will also provide economic stability to cooperative members and create jobs in Native American communities.

The grant is part of $1.4 million in USDA funding to assist small, socially disadvantaged Agricultural producers and cooperatives in rural areas.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-12-09 0601CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list