- This page, Apply to the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program, is offered by
- Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Apply to the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program
The Details
Introduction
Please sign-up for our Division of Food Security Interest Form for program updates.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) invites eligible applicants to apply for the FY27 Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG). FSIG supports capital infrastructure and equipment projects that build a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable food system within Massachusetts.
Funded projects may:
- Increase local food production and consumption
- Expand processing, storage, and distribution capacity
- Improve food access in commercial and noncommercial settings
- Strengthen food system resilience and emergency preparedness
Projects that directly benefit underserved and under-resourced communities will receive priority consideration.
The Food Security Infrastructure Grant FY27 application is now open. Applications close at 4:00 PM on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Please access the RFR and attachments on COMMBUYS.
Grant Details
- Award Range: $10,000–$500,000
- Grant Type: Reimbursement
- Match Requirement: 20% cash match
- Estimated Award Announcements: Summer 2026
- Project Completion Date: June 30, 2027
Applicants should ensure they can meet the reimbursement structure and match requirement before applying.
Funding is subject to appropriation and awarded at the discretion of MDAR.
Applicant Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be located and operating in Massachusetts
- Have operated for at least three (3) consecutive years
- Operate or support a commercial or noncommercial food operation that contributes to the Commonwealth’s food system and serves Massachusetts residents
Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to:
- Agricultural operations as defined in M.G.L. c. 128, § 1A;
- Seafood and aquaculture businesses, including commercial fishermen, seafood dealers, and processors as defined in M.G.L. c. 130;
- Food hubs, aggregators, processors, and distributors;
- Food access and emergency food organizations, including food banks, pantries, and food recovery organizations;
- Schools, early childhood education centers, colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, and other institutions that procure, prepare, or serve food;
- Food retail and market access organizations, including grocery stores, and farmer’s markets;
- Municipalities, public entities, Tribal government or entity, and Native-led non-profits
This list provides examples and does not include every type of eligible applicant. The Department will determine eligibility based on the applicant’s demonstrated role in the Commonwealth’s food system.
Project Eligibility
Eligible projects must be capital improvement investments, including the purchase of new equipment and, where necessary, contracted labor for installation or construction, that strengthen the Commonwealth’s food supply chain and improve equitable access to nutritious and preferably locally grown, raised, harvested, and caught foods.
Eligible projects must result in durable, functional infrastructure that supports food production, processing, aggregation, storage, distribution, or access. Projects must fall primarily within ONE of the following project types:
- Expansion of agriculture or seafood production
- Local & regional mid-supply chain expansion
- Noncommercial food access & availability
- Commercial food access & availability
- Food system resilience & emergency preparedness
How to apply
Applicants must complete the application form in its entirety. Applications must be submitted through the online FSIG application by 4:00PM on Monday May 4, 2026. This RFR does not allow submission of hard copies or emailed applications.
All online submissions should generate a confirmation email indicating successful submission. If you do not receive confirmation, your application may not have been successfully submitted.
All applicants are advised to allow adequate time for submission of their proposal by considering potential delays such as internet traffic, internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. MDAR is not responsible for delays encountered.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review a copy of the full application (Attachment A: Application) before starting the online submission. Detailed application requirements can be found in Section 4 of the FY27 RFR.
MDAR cannot assist in the preparation of grant applications. In order to maintain the integrity of the competitive grant process, MDAR cannot advise or provide individuals with any information regarding specific applications during the solicitation process.
Resources
Webinar
Pre-recorded FSIG FY27 informational webinar here.
Transcript here / Slides from presentation here.
Eligibility Tool
Applicants are encouraged to use this tool to determine baseline eligibility before submitting an application.
Download a copy of the eligibility tool.
Questions and Answers
Applicants may submit questions regarding this RFR and application process.
Questions must be submitted by email to FSIGGrant@mass.gov by 4:00PM on Monday April 20, 2026.
The Q&A document below will be periodically updated as questions are received and answered. The final updated version will be available on Friday April 24, 2026.
Download the FSIG FY27 Q&A document.
Past Awards
To view previous recipients and projects, please use the FSIG interactive map.