Massachusetts awards nearly $7 million to food security initiatives

Massachusetts has announced nearly $7 million in funding through the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program to support farms, fisheries, and food banks. The initiative aims to improve access to fresh, local food and provide operational support to community organizations.

Managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the program provides awards ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. Approximately $3 million is designated for food banks and groups serving residents facing hunger, while the remainder supports producers in expanding production and reaching more customers. Funding is directed toward critical infrastructure such as commercial kitchens, refrigeration, cold storage, processing tools, and transportation.

Among the 72 recipients are the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, which received $196,656 for commercial kitchen equipment, and Gregg Neighborhood House, awarded $226,358 for a commercial kitchen. Commissioner Ashley Randle noted that 60 percent of this year’s awardees are first-time recipients, intended to bolster food security across a diverse cross-section of the food system.