The FSIG program seeks to strengthen the Commonwealth of Massachusetts food system and build resilience within the food supply chain. Funds will support infrastructure projects that improve local food production and distribution, strengthen the middle of the food supply chain, expand food access and nutrition security, and support emergency preparedness. Eligible applicants are Massachusetts agricultural and seafood producers, processors, and distributors. Municipalities, tribes, non-profits, and other food system entities are also able to apply. FY26 awards will range from $10,000 - $1,000,000. Applicants selected for funding are provided with reimbursement grants and are required to contribute a 20% cash match.
Before applying, please read the RFR and related materials on COMMBUYS. The RFR provides a comprehensive summary of grant evaluation criteria, review timelines, award recipient expectations, eligible uses of grant funds, and examples of projects. There is also a copy of the application and a budget template.
The purpose of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program (FSIG) is to support food security initiatives that provide greater, more equitable access to locally grown, raised, harvested and caught foods, by strengthening the Commonwealth’s food supply chain. Local food is defined through this program as edible food products grown, raised, harvested or wild caught/produced and consumed within the Commonwealth, with consideration to those sourcing food produced in nearby states.
The local food system is a network of consumers, workers, businesses, and supporting organizations engaged in an array of activities, including fishing, farming, processing, packaging, manufacturing/distributing, retail/foodservice and food assistance or donation. This local and regional food system contributes to long-term food security and supply chain resilience by producing food that nourishes our communities, sustains businesses and workers, and supports responsible stewardship of our land, water, and other natural resources.
The program also aims to:
Eligible applicants must be a part of the Massachusetts local food system including producers, processors, and distributors; emergency food distributors; community and food organizations; school meal programs (including summer meal sponsors); institutions such as colleges/universities and medical facilities; urban farms and community gardens; independent grocery stores; and nonprofit food security organizations.
Applicants must be focused on addressing food access and/or improving and strengthening the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s food system by increasing production and consumption of locally Grown, raised, harvested or wild-caught foods.
Applicants must have been in operation for 3 years and be located in the Commonwealth.
Please refer to Section 2 of the FY26 RFR for more details.
Eligible projects must be capital improvements including the purchase of equipment and, if necessary, contracted labor costs to implement projects, or costs associated with planning and design directly related to capital projects. They must support immediate and long-term food security needs of the Commonwealth primarily through ONE of the following project types: expansion of agriculture & seafood production, local & regional mid-supply chain expansion, food access & availability, emergency preparedness & resilience. Please refer to Section 3 of the FY26 RFR for more details.
An application form must be completed in its entirety. Applications must be submitted through the online FSIG application. This RFR does not allow for the submission of hard copy or emails of the application. Please review a copy of the full application (Attachment A. Application) before starting the online application. Detailed instructions for application requirements can be found Section 5 of the FY26 RFR.
Applications must be submitted online to MDAR by 4:00PM on Monday May 5, 2025.
All online submissions should generate a confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
All applicants are advised to allow adequate time for submission of their proposal by considering delays online impediments like Internet traffic, internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. MDAR is not responsible for delays encountered.
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.
A recorded webinar is available to watch here. The webinar introduces interested applicants to the program, goes over the grant timeline, and provides a high-level overview of the RFR.
The question submission deadline was 4:00PM on Monday April 14, 2025. We are no longer accepting questions. Applicants may review the final version of the FAQ document below.
