Texas hometown of Blue Bell get nearly $1.4M federal jobs, training grant

The Texas hometown of Blue Bell Creameries received a nearly $1.4 million federal grant the same day ice cream sales resumed after cleanup from listeria contamination.

Blue Bell products went back on the market Monday, in parts of Texas and Alabama, after four months of voluntary suspended sales.

The Brenham-based company recalled all items in April amid concerns over unsanitary conditions and contaminated products at some plants. Blue Bell faced federal and state health department scrutiny before resuming sales.

Representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce were in Brenham to announce the grant to build a workforce and technical training center. The money goes to the Brenham Economic Development Foundation.

Blue Bell laid off hundreds of workers since April. Federal officials also cited downturns in the oil and gas industry.