Meal delivery company RealEats will expand operations in the City of Geneva, Ontario County, New York. The company plans to create 400 jobs during the next five years.

RealEats sources, produces and ships fully cooked, vacuum-packed meals from the Geneva location, where it currently employs approximately 30 people. This expansion builds on the Finger Lakes' vibrant agriculture and food processing sector that is a central part of the regionally designed Finger Lakes Forward economic development plan.

The nearly $2 million project is being supported through a $500,000 Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative Grant. The company is also eligible for up to $3 Million through the Excelsior Tax Credit Program in exchange for promised job commitments. The company also benefited from $1.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds awarded through New York State Homes and Community Renewal to the City of Geneva and Ontario County over the past two years.

Dan Wise, Company President & CEO said, "Partnering with New York State, Ontario County and the City of Geneva has enabled RealEats to make it simple for thousands of consumers to have access to real food, solving the classic dinner dilemma Americans face each day. Locating in one of the richest agricultural food sheds in the northeast, supporting local farms and employment is what we believe to be a unique and impactful template for a more sustainable and healthy food future. The bounty of this region in both agriculture and talent is a perfect match for RealEats. We are beyond proud to see our Geneva team produce amazing meals from local ingredients that help time-pressed Americans take better care of themselves."

"This major commitment by RealEats to grow its business in the City of Geneva will inject new life into the community while creating hundreds of jobs and boosting local economies throughout the region," Governor Cuomo said. "With this expansion, we are once again proving that our strategy to move the Finger Lakes' economy forward is working."

"The expansion of RealEats in Geneva will grow the meal prep industry in the area and create up to 400 new jobs," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement. "With state support, the commitment by RealEats to operate in the region while using locally sourced foods is a boost to our farmers. This investment builds on our efforts to continue to move the Finger Lakes forward."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "RealEats is the type of innovative partnership that New York State is committed to supporting, one that will create job and growth opportunities in the critical agriculture and food industries in the Finger Lakes and throughout the state for years to come."

Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs, Monroe Community College President Anne Kress and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, "The REDC recognizes that the agriculture and food business is changing rapidly with consumers demanding healthy, high quality, locally grown food. RealEats will help us fulfill those demands and build on the world-class food ecosystem that is moving the Finger Lakes region forward."