CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Some Central Illinois farmers are facing surplus challenges due to federal cuts to the USDA. So, starting next month one downtown Champaign business is helping local farmers get their products to communities that need them.

Martinelli’s Market is doing a six-week emergency community supported agriculture program beginning in May. It’s their first time doing something like this.

The store’s owner said it’s all about bridging the gap between local producers and the communities they’re in.

“It’s a great way to support local farming in the area,” said Martinelli’s Market Owner Jeffery Brokish.

Federal cuts to the USDA have impacted the Local Food Purchase Assistance Agreement. Their leading agency, Down at the Farms, was cut. That’s the program helping local farmers put their produce into areas that need it like foodbanks.

“Our farmers were anticipating that would be continued and had already got things planted and stuff in the ground and they weren’t sure what to do with it,” Brokish said.

That’s why Martinelli’s Market is starting its own six-week program to help out. Brokish said the market is facilitating a way for local farmers to offload some of their surplus.

“What we decided to do was help promote a CSA, or community supported agriculture box, here at Martinelli’s that people could purchase,” Brokish said.

Beginning May 2, customers can sign up to buy a different box every Friday through June 6. Inside is protein, produce, dairy, bread and more farm products from producers in Central Illinois.

“Being able to bridge that gap between farmer and consumers is fantastic,” Brokish said. “I think people are going to really enjoy those boxes.”

He also said the weekly box will serve two to four people for several days.