These are the fiscal year 2026 awardees:
Reed Farm, Amherst - $1,000,000 - Reed Farm will construct an energy-efficient, value added meat processing facility with cold storage. This project will increase slaughterhouse and value added processing capacity for MA local meats, enable increases in livestock production state-wide, provide year-round employment for skilled workers, enable local livestock producers to expand to new markets with USDA certification and new value-added product types, and aid in more equitable access to nutritious local meats and a variety of value-added products.
Stillman Quality Meats LLC, Hardwick - $988,749 - The Stillman Quality Meats Value-Add Expansion: Building Capacity and Growing Opportunity for MA Meat Producers project will complete the buildout of SQM's USDA-inspected processing facility, enabling production of ready-to-eat, value-added meat products for over 300 Massachusetts farms and food businesses. Key activities include installation of critical utilities, finishing interior spaces, purchasing and installing equipment, and conducting training and trial production runs. Upon completion, the facility will expand market access, support food safety compliance, and strengthen regional food system resilience.
Elliot Farm LLC, Lakeville - $984,659 - Elliot Farm LLC will retrofit and expand its existing farm stand to significantly increase local food production, enhance food access, and strengthen sustainability. Key project components include expanding retail and food-preparation spaces, upgrading refrigeration and freezer capacity, enhancing facility accessibility, and integrating renewable energy solutions. This infrastructure upgrade will support increased fresh food availability, job creation, and improved food security, particularly benefiting underserved communities in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Farmer Daves LLC, Dracut - $950,247 - Farmer Dave's will construct a new 80'x90' high-efficiency produce storage building to centralize and expand year-round storage capacity for crops. The project will deliver a climate-resilient, energy-efficient facility that eliminates 700 gallons of annual fuel use, reduces food loss, and increases storage volume up to 1 million pounds, supporting year-round local food access and expanded employment opportunities. Activities include site preparation, building construction, installation of high-efficiency refrigeration, and the future addition of geothermal heating and rooftop solar to achieve net-zero emissions.
Boston Area Gleaners, Acton - $943,255 - Boston Area Gleaners will construct a distribution center dedicated to providing a critical resource for Massachusetts farms and regional food access organizations Located in close proximity to all four major highways, this building will serve as a distribution hub that connects the dots of the local supply chain for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Town of Chatham - Chatham - $730,620 - Town of Chatham will build a modern seawater upwelling system to be integrated into a newly constructed, purpose-built shellfish propagation facility. The upgraded facility will significantly increase the Town's capacity to produce seed shellfish, supporting Chatham's long-standing wild-harvest commercial shellfisheries, enhancing access for recreational and subsistence harvesters, and delivering ecological benefits to the coastal environment. The project involves relocating and replacing the Town's outdated upweller with a state-of-the-art system housed within a retrofitted historic U.S. Coast Guard boathouse. This investment will ensure the continuity and future growth of Chatham's well-established and carefully managed shellfish propagation program, which plays a vital role in sustaining the local economy, supporting working waterfronts, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Boston Public Schools, Boston - $639,426 - Boston Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services creates, prepares and serves scratch-cooked, locally sourced, culturally relevant meals for their 49,000 diverse students to enjoy. This project will support the capacity of the central kitchen to prepare summer meals and afterschool supper meals, as well as certain bulk items for distribution to schools with onsite cooking, and to make upgrades needed in refrigerated and frozen storage at nine school sites to assure food quality retention.
Benthic Fishing Corp., New Bedford - $635,873 - Benthic Fishing Corp.'s project involves the conversion of a displaced pelagic trawler and the replacement of an aging refrigeration system. The new environmentally responsible system meets or exceeds today's EPA standards and dramatically improves the quality of seafood produced on board.
Worcester Public Schools, Nutrition Department, Worcester - $626,558 - Worcester Public Schools' Nutrition Department aims to increase the capacity to handle fresh local food at 25 different schools. The cooking units, hot and cold holding and mobile units, and sinks that this project will fund will allow schools more flexibility and independence when it comes to what they cook and serve, ultimately allowing schools to serve more meals that are scratch cooked using local ingredients.
Codman Community Farms, Lincoln - $598,000 - Codman Community Farms will renovate and insulate its historic barn to create a year-round, climate-controlled farm store that improves food safety and year-round access to locally grown, nutritious foods. The project will reduce food waste due to less spoiled food from weather instability, increase sales of Massachusetts-grown foods, support local farmers and producers, and expand food recovery through on-site processing of surplus farm products into value-added prepared foods. Activities include barn insulation and renovation, installation of climate-control systems, and improvements to retail infrastructure and food storage.
Island Grown Initiative LTD, Vineyard Haven - $588,475 - Island Grown Initiative plans to expand its capacity as a food hub to increase production at their 40-acre farm and greenhouse for their CSA and food access programs, and increase sourcing of Massachusetts-grown produce and proteins gleaned and purchased for their Island Food Pantry and prepared meals. The year-round community on Martha's Vineyard is increasingly food insecure as the cost of living rises and IGI now provides grocery items and prepared meals to over 6,000 registered Pantry clients, or 20% of the island's year-round population. This project contributes to the upgrade of the farm's food processing, storage, and distribution infrastructure.
Maple Shade Farms, Inc., Sheffield - $585,682 - Maple Shade Farms will expand Massachusetts grain production to support local agriculture and reduce reliance on imported feeds. By securing a combine harvester, grain storage bins, and transfer/processing equipment, they will be able to grow and store grains necessary for the dairy cows on their own farm as well as sell grains and straw to local livestock farmers and other businesses.
CommonWealth Kitchen, Dorchester - $550,367 - CommonWealth Kitchen's project will expand core processing and freezer storage capacity essential to strengthening Massachusetts' food security infrastructure. FSIG funding will support the purchase and installation of large-capacity kettles, a steam boiler, filling and packing equipment, a walk-in freezer, blast chiller, and trash/recycling compactors, alongside critical food and worker safety upgrades including loading dock repairs, mandatory fire suppression system updates, and blast freezer replacement. These improvements will significantly increase CWK's production efficiency and output, enabling them to process more local farm produce into affordable, minimally processed foods for schools, institutions, and emergency food providers.
Martha Rose Fisheries, New Bedford - $512,096 - Martha Rose Fisheries will receive the necessary equipment to enable onboard freezing of seafood (specifically scallop and squid) their commercial fishing vessel to preserve optimal freshness, sustain versatile distribution to local markets, and circumvent large scale seafood buyer monopolies. This is a small-scale, vessel-based enhancement designed to deliver exclusive benefits to Massachusetts communities. This project will work with partners to engineer the appropriate system for the vessel, install the machinery, and develop local markets within the Commonwealth, resulting in more local seafood in our supply chain, strengthened supply chain relationships, new market access, and a reduced carbon footprint from international seafood processing.
Hollis Hills Farm, Fitchburg - $398,820 - Hollis Hills Farm will build a new storage facility for cold and dry storage as well as equipment that is integral for their fruit and livestock operations. This new infrastructure will allow the farm to expand their fruit and livestock operations. They will build a 4,800 square foot building that will include a 24x12 walk-in freezer and a 24x12 walk-in refrigerator as well as dry storage and equipment storage for their operation. This increased capacity will allow them to increase local food production and food security within their community.
Greenfield Community College, Greenfield - $370,848 - Greenfield Community College's (GCC) Farm and Food Systems program, in close partnership with the GCC Food Pantry, will build a new greenhouse and connected workspace to allow increased production and distribution of fresh produce on campus, increasing local food access for over 2000 GCC students and their families. This will include a produce washing station and cold storage space to increase capacity to take in local produce donations from community partners and farms. The new structure will also provide hands-on learning for students, community members, and agriculture entities in the region, teaching responsible stewardship of the land for long-term food security.
Community Servings, Inc., Jamaica Plain - $351,460 - Community Servings prepares scratch-made, medically tailored meals for individuals and their families experiencing critical or chronic illness and nutrition insecurity, residents who would otherwise have little to no access to nutritious food. This project will support the purchase and installation of essential kitchen equipment, including two Rational iCombi Pro ovens, two Cleveland tilt skillet braising pans, one American Panel blast chiller, one Dynamic Power Pro immersion blender, and ten aluminum speed racks, as well as two refrigerated vans, to improve food safety, meal production efficiency, delivery reliability, and equitable access to culturally appropriate meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. During the grant period, they will procure equipment, coordinate certified installation, and integrate all assets into daily operations to strengthen statewide delivery of medically tailored nutrition.
ShellfishBroker LLC, South Chatham - $346,000 - Shellfish Broker LLC will develop a much-needed seafood processing facility for Winter Skate, Dogfish and other commercially fished species. At present, there is no facility located on Cape Cod with the capability to process these species, leaving an entire fleet vulnerable to disruption--especially in terms of fish processing and a vulnerable chain of logistics such as transportation. They will acquire critical seafood processing equipment that will enable their company to establish a reliable and resilient facility to process Winter Skate and Dogfish, the primary species landed by the small-boat fleet at the Chatham Fish Pier. The project addresses a critical gap in the regional food supply chain and aligns directly with FSIG's goals of expanding processing infrastructure, supporting emergency preparedness, and improving access to locally caught, high-quality seafood.
South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. (SSCAC), East Wareham - $341,000 - South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) will receive a generator for their East Wareham Early Education Center to strengthen the building's infrastructure, safeguard its resilience in the event of climate and other emergencies, and ensure its capacity to serve as a community-based food, emergency food, and nutrition education hub for approximately 400 low-income children and family members annually. In the onsite commercial kitchen at its East Wareham Early Education Center, SSCAC stores fresh, locally purchased and donated perishables, prepares daily USDA-compliant meals and snacks for children, distributes emergency food to families, and hosts nutrition education and cooking workshops for parents and caregivers. The project will ensure consistent and reliable power for the uninterrupted operation of our Early Education program as a community food and nutrition hub and strengthen connections between low-income families and local farms, grocers, food producers, and food distributors.
High Quality Seafoods Corp, Mattapan - $336,502 - High Quality Seafood Corps is a seafood distribution company committed to sourcing products from local and responsible fisheries, ensuring both quality and sustainability. To further their mission and expand their reach, the project will acquire additional refrigeration units, equipment, and refrigerated trucks. This expansion will enable them to serve a broader geographical area, increase their distribution capacity, and improve the freshness and availability of their products. With these enhancements, they aim to increase their distribution capacity, thereby improving food security in the Commonwealth and providing access to nutritious seafood.
Growing Places Garden Project, Inc., Gardner - $333,407 - Growing Places (GP) will expand essential infrastructure for the Local Food Works North Central MA Regional Food Center by enhancing its new processing center in Gardner and establishing the region's first local food storage facility in Pepperell. FSIG-funded investments include walk-in refrigerators, a refrigerated truck, a temperature and humidity monitoring system, receiving equipment, and backup generators that will support year-round sourcing, processing, storage, and distribution of a greater volume and variety of local food, reaching more wholesale buyers and food-insecure households. Over the next three years, the Center aims to increase local food purchases by 91%, extend the growing season for 15+ crops, and support 30+ MA farmers through expanded market channels, distribution and storage capacity.
Northern Collective inc. DBA Field Point Oyster Farm, Wellfleet - $331,594 - Field Point Oyster Farm will complete a HACCP-compliant seafood processing facility in Wellfleet, MA. The project includes interior build-out and installation of an oyster sorting system to enable efficient shellfish processing, packaging, and distribution. Deliverables include a fully operational facility, expanded local seafood availability, increased community donations, and new year-round jobs.
Wellfleet Shellfish Company, Eastham - $330,965 - Through this project, Wellfleet Shellfish Company will make three infrastructure upgrades that will support increased sales, new value-add products, and increased sourcing and distribution of local shellfish. Project components include: (1) purchase and installation of a blast freezer, (2) improved filtration system for the lobster tanks, and (3) a new refrigerated truck for moving larger volumes of shellfish. This project will support the sustainability and growth of the Cape's shellfish fisheries, making locally landed shellfish more accessible to residents of the Commonwealth, across the socioeconomic spectrum.
Young Men's Christian Association of Greater Boston, Inc., Boston - $321,530 - The YMCA of Greater Boston has launched the Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub in Roxbury, co-developed with a coalition of community-based food access organizations, to address the growing crisis of hunger and food insecurity in Boston and beyond. The Hub serves as a physical resource and a platform for collective action, enabling partners to scale their efforts, share best practices, and deliver high-quality and healthy food more consistently and efficiently to the communities they serve. The Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub provides critical infrastructure supporting Boston's food security by housing essential hunger prevention organizations. While its physical facilities are well designed, this project will supply equipment and technological infrastructure to streamline operations across partner organizations.
Salem Public Schools, Salem - $313,793 - Salem Public Schools is a diverse, urban district serving 3,950 students with nutritious, locally sourced breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. As over half of the families qualify for free or reduced-price meals, the Food & Nutrition Services team plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity, supporting student health, and fueling academic success. Through this project, they will modernize their nutrition infrastructure to ensure that they can continue meeting the needs of our students. Specifically, they will replace aging walk-in refrigeration units at three elementary schools to improve food safety and storage capacity; install four combination ovens at the largest schools to expand scratch cooking and offer healthier, more diverse meals; and purchase essential kitchen equipment—such as mixers, blenders, food cutters, rotisserie ovens, and ice machines—to give the culinary teams the tools they need to prepare high-quality, fresh meals every day.
North Atlantic Cold Storage, Gloucester - $310,794 - North Atlantic Cold Storage (NACS), based on the Gloucester State Fish Pier, will install an advanced Evaporative Condenser to meet a critical infrastructure need for Massachusetts' seafood economy. Established in 2009, NACS originally focused on international seafood trade, exporting to Europe and the Middle East. Over time, the company transitioned into distributing to local markets and, in response to local demand, began freezing local fish to expand economic opportunities for Massachusetts fishermen. With the closure of other key facilities, NACS stepped up to fill the infrastructure gap. Today, local fishermen face limited market options once the fresh market closes, often forced to sell at reduced prices. NACS offers an alternative: a freezing and storage solution that allows fishermen to hold onto product and sell when markets improve-helping them maximize value, ensure consistency of supply, and contribute to statewide food security. With this investment, NACS will expand its services, allowing Gloucester to attract large offshore vessels for offload and increasing the regional multiplier effect by driving demand for local services such as ice, fuel, and provisioning.
Robariah Farms, Deerfield - $302,267 - Robariah Farms will expand its sustainable poultry production capacity and establish an on-site USDA-inspected processing facility to increase local food security in Massachusetts. The project will deliver a 1000% increase in pasture-raised, kosher-certified poultry production and create a regional processing hub capable of serving multiple small-scale producers, thereby reducing supply chain vulnerabilities. Key activities include constructing additional mobile chicken coops with pasture rotation infrastructure, establishing mobile fencing for pastured sheep rotation, building a state- and USDA-compliant processing facility with specialized equipment, including to support kosher-certified processing, and implementing food safety protocols to ensure high-quality protein remains accessible to area communities.
Foppema's Farm LLC, Northbridge - $290,248 - Foppema's Farm will expand its processing capacity by constructing a new vegetable washroom addition and acquiring essential farm equipment, including a John Deere tractor, a row mulcher, and a bean sorting table. These investments will increase production efficiency, support local food distribution, and strengthen resilience against climate impacts. Activities will include construction, equipment procurement, installation, and integration into farm operations.
Osborne Seafood Inc., Marblehead - $279,793 - Osborne Seafood Inc. proposes a critical modernization project to replace outdated propulsion and power systems on the F/V Caitlin Christine, a Massachusetts-based lobster and scallop vessel. The project will install a Tier 3 Cummins QSK19 marine diesel engine, replacing the vessel's 40-year-old main engine. This infrastructure upgrade will greatly improve vessel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, stabilize seafood production, and extend the life of this working vessel by 15+ years. The improvements directly support Massachusetts' goals for food security and climate change mitigation by ensuring that local seafood can continue to be harvested sustainably, reliably, and with a much lower environmental footprint. As a result, Osborne Seafood will increase its contributions to Massachusetts' local food system, including partnerships with regional seafood buyers, food access programs, and community markets.
Tangerini's Spring Street Farm, Millis - $272,350 - The project aims to strengthen the local food supply chain by acquiring essential harvest and post-harvest equipment for a diversified fruit and vegetable farm. Improved tools will increase efficiency, reduce crop loss, and ensure higher-quality produce reaches local markets, schools, and food access programs.
Integrity Fishing Co. New Bedford $254,164 Integrity Fishing Co. will install a modern slurry ice system aboard the F/V Guardian to significantly improve the freshness, quality, and marketability of its landed catch. The system includes a state-of-the-art slurry ice machine and insulated 3-ton tank, allowing fish to be cooled instantly and uniformly at sea, increasing shelf life and reducing spoilage.
All Farmers, Agawam - $247,090 - The All Farmers community farm will host 400 refugee and immigrant families farming and gardening diverse, cultural vegetables that return to the local community through our farmers' markets, local grocery stores, and informal networks. This project will bring irrigation to each farm and garden, helping families work efficiently, boost yields, and farm resiliently in the face of climate change and periods of drought. This one-time cost of $600 per family is a long-term investment in bringing local vegetables to low-income, diverse communities in the Greater Springfield area.
Herrick Dairy Farm LLC, Rowley - $246,745 - Herrick Dairy Farm LLC plans to continue a 50-year tradition of producing fresh, quality milk for the Commonwealth with the addition of 1) a self-contained creamery processing unit 2) an insulated farmstand to replace their current stand and 3) a walk-in cooler and refrigerated merchandiser to display their products. Grant support for on-farm processing equipment will diversify their product offerings with the addition of ""cream-on-top"" pasteurized milk, strengthen their reach in the Commonwealth by appealing to a wider net of customers, and contribute to a safer and more accessible food supply. When completed, the new equipment will strengthen the resilience of family dairy farm, grow direct-to-consumer sales, and allow the family to partner with other local businesses who have expressed their commitment to sell the farm's pasteurized, bottled milk."
Hornstra Farm LLC, Whitman - $238,237 - In order to meet increasing demand for local dairy products, Hornstra Farm was awarded funding to complete restoration of the former Peaceful Meadows Dairy, which hasn't had a milking herd for over 30 years. This project will build critical infrastructure needed to bring this important dairy farm back into production, including the installation of new silos. These silos will be used to preserve quality feed and limit spoilage.
All In Fisheries, Inc., Wellfleet - $228,916 - All In Fisheries Inc. was awarded funds to develop a dynamic, community-oriented and HAACP-approved fisherman-led seafood processing facility in the heart of Wellfleet for production, storage, packaging and direct retail sales of locally harvested bay scallops, sea scallops, oysters, and lobsters. Project activities include construction of a 30'x16'x50' facility and ordering & installing a seafood cold storage walk-in cooler. The aim of this project is to support the demand for affordable Massachusetts-harvested seafood in local markets and with direct fisherman-to-consumer sales.
Manheim Farm, South Deefield - $228,697 - Manheim Farm was awarded funding for the purchase and installation of two new commercial grade refrigeration units. This will increase their cold storage capacity by 50%, allowing them to extend our availability of locally grown produce to year-round. This funding will allow for the replacement of a very outdated unit in their current cold storage, and they will finally be able to convert the other building into a working cold storage.
Aquacultural Research Corporation, Dennis - $227,184 - As the only large-scale commercial shellfish hatchery in Massachusetts, Aquacultural Research Corporation (A.R.C.) plays a vital role in supporting the 165 shellfish grants and hundreds of workers who produce hard shell clams and oysters. The funding from the Food Security Infrastructure Grant will bolser the existing heating system with state of the art, energy efficient boilers and expanding algae production will allow for the production of more seed for farmers and restoration projects, while keeping expenses and emissions to a minimum.
Access Care Partners, Inc. (formerly WestMass ElderCare, Inc.), Holyoke - $205,194 - Access Care Partners is upgrading its nutrition program infrastructure with the installation of new energy-efficient refrigeration equipment and a backup generator. This project will ensure uninterrupted meal service for over 2,700 older adults and individuals with disabilities across seven communities, maintaining food supply and safety during power outages or times of emergencies. These improvements will strengthen local food access, reduce environmental impact, and support the long-term sustainability of our meal delivery operations.
Stillman's Greenhouses & Farm Stand, Inc., New Braintree - $200,162 - Forgotten Harvest, the value-added production arm of Stillman's Farm, transforms surplus and cosmetically imperfect produce into nutrient-dense, shelf-stable foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kale chips, and apple crisps. Using produce grown exclusively on the, Forgotten Harvest reduces food waste while enhancing access to healthy, local foods. They were awarded grant funding to construct commercial infrastructure to meet growing demand, diversify their product line, and strengthen the farm's financial viability, as well as kitchen equipment. This expansion promotes a circular, low-waste agricultural model, while strengthening the local food system and generating new economic opportunities for the community.
Northampton Survival Center, Northampton - $195,420 The Northampton Survival Center was awarded funding to expand its equitable access to healthy food for low-income individuals by installing temperature-controlled food-storage lockers (for pickup orders) and adding two electric vans to its fleet (dedicated as mobile markets for distribution to group housing sites and other gathering places in the community).
Mapleline Farm, Hadley - $194,976 - Mapleline Farm was awarded the purchase and installation of a dairy separator that will increase the intake capacity of their dairy processing plant, enhance food safety, increase efficiency, and expand production. An investment in this essential equipment will allow Mapleline Farm to grow their herd, increase the volume of raw milk received in their plant, process and distribute larger volumes of milk, and enhance efficiency of operations and product safety.
River-Maple Farm Inc., Bernardston, $174,377 - River-Maple Farm was awarded funding to rebuild their 70 cow free stall dairy barn. The barn recently collapsed during a 2025 snowstorm which left the milking barn uninhabitable. Their plan is to build a 58 x 150 foot modern free stall barn which will withstand harsh New England climates and allow them to continue producing milk in the state of Massachusetts.
Town of Orleans, Orleans -$166,942 - The Town of Orleans was awarded funds to construct a state-of-the-art HPS (Harvest, Process, Store) facility at Putnam Farm on Cape Cod that enhances post-harvest processing and distribution efficiency for locally-grown produce. Expected outcomes include a fully operational refrigerated facility with integrated processing equipment and renewable energy support via roof-mounted solar panels-all aimed at reducing food waste, incentivizing increased production and bolstering regional food security. Key activities include constructing a 720 square foot barn with dual-purpose, 10-foot overhangs, installing critical equipment, and implementing renewable energy systems-all while engaging the local community in sustainable agricultural practices.
Pine Street Inn, Inc., Boston - $166,838 - Pine Street Inn (PSI), the largest nonprofit housing and homeless services agency in New England, was awarded funding to upgrade their commercial kitchen to provide better quality, locally sourced meals to eight programs across PSI's continuum of homeless services, as well as outside social service organizations. The kitchen upgrades will include replacement of outdated ovens, which will improve food quality, menu options, and energy efficiency, and will also enrich the hands-on learning experience of PSI's iCater trainees.
Bardwell Farm, Hatfield - $164,460 - Bardwell Farm was awarded produce handling and delivery/transportation equipment (forklift and refrigerated box truck) to expand its delivery area, better serve new and existing customers (with a focus on wholesale buyers and market expansion), increase order fulfillment, and improve the safety and quality control of produce in the handling and delivery of farm products. The equipment will increase safety for workers in the aggregating, loading, and unloading of produce in and out of delivery vehicles. It will also allow for an expanded area of distribution to allow the farm to better serve food insecure neighborhoods and customers throughout the state.
F/V Ruth & Gail Inc., Wellfleet - $153,479 - This project will make two infrastructure upgrades to the F/V Ruth & Gail: (1) the replacement of the decaying and broken down steel deck and wheelhouse, and (2) the addition of insulation and refrigeration for improved product storage. This project will allow the F/V Ruth & Gail to continue harvesting over 400,000 pounds of Atlantic surf clam off the Cape, supporting the local fishing economy and maintaining a historically important fishery on the Cape, while also providing a lower cost, high-quality seafood protein to lower income and underserved communities in Massachusetts.
The Farm School, Orange - $150,566 - The Farm School was awarded funds to reclaim and permanently fence approximately 15 acres of pasture land and install improved water systems and winter housing for our livestock operation in addition to updating our milk processing equipment to more efficiently and effectively pasteurize our milk. Milk and meat from their herds are crucial components of our food donation program, which is a central aspect of our programming with middle school children from the Commonwealth and throughout New England. Bolstering their livestock systems gives The Farm School the confidence to continue raising livestock for the benefit and nourishment of their community and offers the youth that they serve excellent examples of agricultural best practices.
W Trading, Inc., New Bedford - $143,414 - W Trading was awarded funding to purchase and install a modular cold storage unit to expand their cooler capacity to meet the need of vessels looking to offload their fresh seafood catch in New Bedford. By expanding their capabilities, they will be able to increase access to Massachusetts residents and distribute additional seafood to residents.
Gardening the Community, Springfield - $132,047 - Gardening the Community (GTC) was awarded funding to construct a 1,800 sq. ft. heated greenhouse at its Walnut Street Urban Farm and Farm Store location. This addition will make year-round food production possible for the first time and increase total growing capacity by more than 50%, significantly strengthening GTC's ability to produce, process, and distribute affordable, locally grown food to the community.
The Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry, Gloucester - $127,538 - The Open Door was awarded funds to help expand capacity to meet a historic increase in requests for food assistance from the most vulnerable in thier community. In 2024, they experienced a 30% year-over-year increase in requests for food assistance, leading them to serve the served the most people (11,893) in their organization's history. They were awarded a refrigerated vehicle, an expanded parking lot, water heater, updates to their HVAC system, and a tilt skillet. Their programs include food pantries in Gloucester and Ipswich; Community Meals (available on-site, to-go and through delivery); Summer Meals for Kids (at more than 15 sites); SmartChoice™ at The Open Door (an online grocery ordering and delivery system); SNAP (Food Stamps) application assistance and advocacy; Mobile Market Farmers Truck; Senior Soup & Salad; Community Nutrition Workshops; nutrition education (including counseling and therapy); job training and internships; Food Rescue; the Second Glance Thrift Store; Holiday Baskets; and Medically Tailored Groceries.
O'Brien Farm, Orange - $118,569 - O'Brien Farm was awarded funds to a milk processing room, built as an addition to their current milkroom. This will give their farm the ability to make and sell value-added, pasteurized dairy products; specifically yogurt, kefir, and fresh cheese.
Citizens Inn, Inc., Peabody - $118,403 - Citizens Inn's Haven from Hunger serves approximately 500 households per week in Peabody, Massachusetts, including low-income families, single parents, seniors, immigrants, and families experiencing housing instability. In 2024 alone, 416,429 pounds of rescued food was redistributed. Citizen's Inn recovers close to 10,000 pounds each week, with 35% to 40% of total food distribution coming from rescued sources-well above regional norms. With support from this grant, Citizen's Inn will strengthen equitable access to fresh, locally produced food by expanding their network of farmers, and other local food partners, and increasing capacity through the purchase of a third refrigerated food rescue truck and expanded cold storage-helping to build a more resilient, inclusive food system that mitigates waste and reduces the impact of future supply disruptions.
Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group, Inc., Oak Bluffs - $112,360 In order to increase the resilience of the MA oyster aquaculture industry, the Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group will expand the hatchery capacity of the historic John T. Hughes Hatchery and Research Station. This project includes extension of the existing seawater system and hatchery infrastructure into an under-utilized space and implementation of season-extending microalgal production technologies.
Roots Rising, Pittsfield - $109,914 - Roots Rising was awarded funding to construct a commercial kitchen at the site of their upcoming Farm and Education Center in Pittsfield, MA. The kitchen will serve as a hub for culinary education, value-added production, and economic development. It will allow their organization to process and preserve farm-grown produce, offer our Youth Crews and community members hands-on culinary training, and provide local farmers and food entrepreneurs with access to affordable kitchen space.
William J. Gould Associates, Inc., dba Gould Farm Monterey $108,765 Gould Farm was awarded funding to renovate and upgrade its on-site creamery to enhance energy efficiency, food safety, and dairy processing capacity. The project will support increased production of bottled milk, yogurt, and cheese for sale through the Farm's Roadside Store & Café, to area retail outlets, and for donation to local food security organizations, expanding equitable access to fresh, local food. Planned activities include insulating and upgrading the creamery, renovating the cheese aging room for improved energy efficiency and climate control, and installing a commercial milk bottle washer to eliminate the use of disposable plastic bottles.
Halls Cape Cod Cranberries, LLC., Harwich - $104,659 - Halls Cape Cod Cranberries, LLC was awarded funding to construct a facility to move post-harvest activities to an indoor packhouse facility, which will increase the availability of a resilient and sustainable food supply for consumption. The construction will enable the farm to sort, clean, screen, pack, and store cranberries to enhance season extension, efficiency and separate produce handling areas from other farm activities. The project will develop the infrastructure to allow the cultivation and harvest of a new 1-acre bog with a climate resilient hybrid cranberry species, as well as harvest and sort clean and screen the additional 6 acres of the established cranberry crop.
Barnstable Seafood Company, West Barnstable - $102,204 - Barnstable Seafood Company was awarded funding to purchase a new refrigerated box truck, ice machine, and quahog clam sorter that will enable greater independence from other dealers and vendors by allowing locational autonomy. This improvement will give Barnstable Seafood Company the needed infrastructure to strengthen their role in the supply chain independently and broaden access to wholesale and retail markets in Massachusetts.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Taunton - $98,722 - Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South was awarded funding to purchase a new dedicated nutrition vehicle with hot and cold storage for daily food service programs for Club members which provide over 150,000 meals annually. The vehicle will also bolster their food rescue program, which supports over a dozen community partners in distributing free fresh produce and other food to hundreds of community members in need.
Potter Hill Farm, Grafton - $80,160 - Potter Hill farm was awarded funding to construct a livestock barn in order to provide a facility for overwintered livestock. Having a facility to overwinter animals will allow the farm to significantly increase the production and sales of pork, beef and eggs to the local community.
North Atlantic Pacific Seafood (NAPS), Gloucester, $80,098 - North Atlantic Pacific Seafood (NAPS), a vertically integrated seafood company operating out of the Gloucester State Fish Pier, was awarded funding to modernize its in-port processing capacity by installing a commercial-grade seafood sorter and upgrading critical dock levelers. These infrastructure enhancements represent the next step in a broader, ongoing investment to restore Gloucester's historic leadership in domestic seafood production, combat increasing foreign competition, and offer meaningful resilience for the Massachusetts food system.
Community Harvest Project, North Grafton - $76,318 - Community Harvest Project will use funding from an FSIG Grant to help upgrade their orchard's irrigation system so that it reaches 100% of the orchard (currently reaching 4%). The grant funding will also allow for the installation of deer fencing at their farms to increase their protected range from 15% of planted acreage to 60% of planted acreage.
Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunities Foundation, Inc. (dba Worcester Regional Food Hub), Worcester - $75,588 - The Food Hub was awarded funding to purchase new kitchen equipment for the hub to better support local food entrepreneurs, farmers, and environmental justice communities. These improvements will make both the kitchen and aggregation/distribution operations more efficient, accessible, and affordable, enabling small businesses to scale their operations and meet regulatory standards. By reducing barriers to entry, the project empowers diverse entrepreneurs, farmers, and food producers to grow sustainable food ventures and contribute to the local economy.
Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust, Worcester - $75,268 - The PPLT Mobile Food Hub Infrastructure Project will establish a producer-centered mobile food hub with two specialized trailers: a refrigerated storage/transport trailer and a mobile wash/pack processing trailer. Based at Global Village at Tuck Away Farms but owned and operated by PPLT, this mobile food hub will serve Indigenous, Black, and POC farmers across Massachusetts in order to address critical gaps in the regional food distribution infrastructure. The mobile hub will enable small-scale BIPOC farmers to aggregate, process, store, and distribute their produce effectively to environmental justice communities, particularly in Worcester County. This producer cooperative model will increase food security in underserved communities while supporting sustainable livelihoods for BIPOC farmers.
Berkshires Bounty, Inc., Great Barrington, $73,083 - Berkshire Bounty is a 501(c)(3) food rescue organization with the mission to provide local food distribution organizations with nutritious food to mitigate food insecurity throughout Berkshire County, Massachusetts. The Food Security Infrastructure Grant provided funding to purchase a 18-foot Ford Transit refrigerated cargo van. Within three years after purchasing this refrigerated van, Berkshire Bounty plans to increase the amount of locally grown meat, produce, dairy, and eggs purchased and transported from socially disadvantaged farmers and local retailers by 15%; increase the recovered food from food retailers, farms, and restaurants by 200,000 lbs; build capacity among emergency food sites by expanding the availability of safe food transportation and allowing for an increase in the number of individuals served by these sites by 30%.
Santoro Fishing Corp, North Chatham - $72,515 - Santoro Fishing Corp was awarded funding to purchase a IMAGE wireless real-time imaging system aboard the F/V Victory to increase the efficiency and selectivity of trawl fishing for squid, scup, fluke, and whiting. The vessel lands 200,000 pounds annually and partners with Red's Best and Chatham Harvesters to distribute fresh, locally caught fish - including low-cost, underutilized species - across Massachusetts. This project will include equipment installation, calibration, and training, with expected landings increasing by 100,000 pounds per year.
Diemand Egg Farm, Inc., Millers Falls - $68,637 - Diemand Farm was awarded funding to purchase a new Ford refrigerated delivery van to expand their delivery route and increase wholesale value-added sales by 50%.
Calamari Fisheries, Inc., Boston - $66,838 - Calamari Fisheries will purchase a meatball forming machine and vacuum tray sealing machine, for the purpose of bringing to market a calamari meatball, made from an abundant and usable byproduct of squid processing. Calamari Meatballs will transform what is now considered waste, into a nutritious and high-protein food product, in a familiar format, for use in schools, institutions and the general public.
Walsh Seafoods Inc., New Bedford - $61,962 - Walsh Seafoods Inc. proposes a transformative hybridization project for the F/V Atlantic Prince, one of the largest offshore groundfish vessels in the Massachusetts fleet. This initiative involves the installation of a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery system, supported by multiple Victron Quattro inverters, high-output alternators, and renewable energy sources including solar and wind. The system will be integrated into the vessel's existing power infrastructure and serve as a pioneering model for hybridized offshore draggers in the region. The Atlantic Prince represents a critical supply link for Massachusetts' local seafood economy. However, like many vessels of its class, it relies heavily on continuous generator use, burning diesel 24 hours a day while fishing. By transitioning to a hybrid battery-first system, the vessel will reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and extend the lifespan of both the main engine and generator. This is the first time a system of this scale is being tested on a large New England groundfish vessel, making it a landmark innovation in the sector. The project directly supports the Commonwealth's energy transition and FSIG goals by reinforcing food supply chain resilience, minimizing environmental impact, and strengthening the economic viability of offshore fishing operations. The modernization will allow the F/V Atlantic Prince to land high-quality seafood with a dramatically reduced carbon footprint, helping meet Massachusetts' demand for sustainable local protein and ensuring that the state's fishing fleet remains competitive, resilient, and climate-aligned in the years ahead.
Cucurbit Farm LLC, Acton - $61,636 - Cucurbit Farm was awarded grant funds to purchase a new Oxbo CP100 Corn Puller (Harvester) to increase their corn harvesting efficiency and capacity.
PACE, Inc., New Bedford - $61,554 - PACE Community Food Center is a critical participant in the efforts to address food insecurity in the Greater New Bedford Community. In an effort to provide increased access for those unable to come to our facility, PACE was awarded funding to purchase a refrigerated van to allow for the delivery for fresh produce, dairy, and meats.
Lower Cape Outreach Council, Inc., Orleans - $61,201 - Lower Cape Outreach Council (LCOC) was awarded funding to renovate the entire ground floor of their headquarters at 19 Brewster Cross Road in Orleans for a Main Pantry expansion to better serve our community. The project will triple the size and capacity of the pantry to store and distribute nutritious food. Upon completion, the Main Pantry will continue to operate as a choice food pantry, with additional food storage - including a walk-in freezer, double doors for easier deliveries, and a proper supermarket-style distribution center where clients can shop for their groceries with dignity.
Teddy C. Smiarowski Farm, Hatfield - $61,058 - Teddy C. Smiarowski Farm has been able to adapt to changing market conditions as needed by changing what they produce. Traditionally, they sell mostly to large chain stores and food service businesses from ME to FL. To be more resilient and to capture more of the farm dollar, the farm was awarded a refrigerated van to allow them to distribute their farm produce directly to customers in MA.
Mei Mei Restaurant, Inc (DBA Mei Mei Dumplings), Boston, $59,770 - Mei Mei is a woman-owned, farm-focused dumpling company specializing in artisanal Creative-Chinese American dumplings made with 70% Northeast-sourced produce. In order to double their regional wholesale sales while continuing to serve 30 farmers' markets across Greater Boston, they were awarded a delivery van and combination oven to increase production and distribution capacity at their factory.
Thomas Farm & Dairy, Sunderland - $59,017 - Thomas Farm and Dairy was awarded funds to purchase a 79 gallon vat pasteurizer, an automatic milk bottler and a refrigerator unit. These upgrades to their dairy will allow them to expand their product offerings, greatly increase efficiency and energy usage, and increase their production capacity to meet the growing demand for their goat dairy products. They will be replacing their old 35 gallon pasteurizer with a unit that will double the current capacity, installing a bottler and adding refrigeration to safely and efficiently store the dairy products.
Deep Ocean LLC, New Bedford - $56,394 - Deep Ocean LLC, based in New Bedford, MA, will strengthen its seafood distribution capacity through the acquisition of a 40 ft cold storage refrigerated container. These upgrades will improve inventory management, reduce product lead times, and support consistent, high-quality supply to local markets. The project will expand sales, increase operational efficiency, and enhance food system resilience across the Commonwealth.
Spindrift Oysters LLC, Westport - $54,770 - Spindrift Oysters, a recently permitted ""Wholesale Seafood Dealer"" was awarded funds to enhance their current storage and production facility to improve efficiency and maintain the highest quality safety and standards for the local oyster supply chain. The goal of the grant is to equip this facility with a generator and highly efficient climate control system. This will provide a healthy and safe place for oyster storage production with power back up in case of emergency situations.
Big River LLC dba Big River Chestnuts, Sunderland, $54,317 - This project will fund a commercial walk-in cooler and a major electrical service upgrade to support a regional chestnut processing hub in western Massachusetts. The energy-efficient cooler will improve post-harvest storage and extend shelf life, helping ensure high-quality chestnuts reach a broader range of local and regional markets, including underserved communities. Upgrading the electrical system from 100 amp single-phase to 400 amp three-phase will enable use of new processing equipment and support scaling to over 85,000 pounds annually by 2035-expanding access to a nutritious, locally grown staple crop.
Shaloh School Oholei Torah, DBA Shaloh House, Brighton - $53,760 - Shaloh House was awarded funding to create an architectural and engineering plan for renovating and expanding the meat and dairy kitchens at Shaloh House. The expanded kitchens will be capable of increasing food production by 30%. The increase will address the unmet demand for kosher meals that Shaloh House serves in public and private schools in Massachusetts and its Open Site for families in need.
Mass Fishing Corp dba F/V Miss Leslie, New Bedford - $52,800 - Mass Fishing Corp was awarded funds to purchase and install a fish conveyor system on the vessel Miss Leslie to improve efficiency, product quality, and overall seafood production. This upgrade will allow for faster processing, reduced time at sea, and increased availability of fresh, locally caught fish. The project includes procurement, installation, and operational integration of the conveyor system within the grant period.
Lawndale Farm Tyngsborough $50,632 "Lawndale Farms was awarded funding to purchase a new farm tractor, replacing equipment that was 40 years old.
Tirrell Seafood & Shellfish Inc., dba Portside Seafood Inc., Boston - $50,386 - Portside Seafood was awarded a high-capacity commercial forklift and motorized pallet jack system that will dramatically improve internal mobility, handling, and safety for large volumes of fish and frozen products. These equipment upgrades are necessary to accommodate increased local landings through the owner's fleet and other Massachusetts fishermen, many of whom now seek reliable, high-quality local processing options. Historically, most fish landed at the pier are trucked elsewhere for cutting and freezing. This project changes that by ensuring fish can be efficiently handled, iced, and stored within the Portside facility-ensuring better quality, longer shelf life, and enhanced access to institutional and wholesale markets. The improved logistics capacity will increase the company's ability to process fish from additional boats, including value-added cutting, filleting, and packaging, while providing more throughput to serve school systems, hunger relief organizations, and wholesale buyers across Massachusetts.
Gaining Ground, Concord - $47,589 - Gaining Ground was awarded funding to install energy-efficient heaters in two of their hoop houses, enabling them to grow a wider variety of nutrient-rich crops throughout the coldest months. This winter growing expansion will allow them to harvest and distribute an additional 5,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce each year to individuals and families across Massachusetts experiencing food insecurity. With this investment, they will be able to extend the growing season, nourish more neighbors, and deepen our year-round impact.
F/V Divergence, Middleborough - $46,614 - F/V Divergence was awarded funding to purchase a more reliable and efficient main engine and electronic jigging machines for mackerel fishing to enable the expansion of lobster production and diversify by pursuing new species. They will be able to sell many thousands of pounds of fresh local seafood while increasing their resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions and climate change. The existing engine will be removed and replaced and electric reel machines will be installed.
Mai Asia Vegetables, Lakeville - $45,599 - Mai Asia Vegetables was awarded funding to purchase a John Deere 3039R tractor with tiller and plow attachments to increase
vegetable production. The significant increase in production will allow for an increased supply of fresh, locally grown produce to current markets and the opportunity to move into new markets.
United Way of Tri County, Framingham - $44,791 - United Way of Tri County (UWOTC) operates a cross-dock warehouse located in Framingham, MA, which receives fresh, local, and nutritious food from the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) and stores and distributes it to a network of 32 local food pantries. The cross-dock warehouse needs facility renovations and capital equipment purchases, highlighted in the application, to continue to strengthen and improve the resilience of the Commonwealth's Food System and food supply chain. The project will protect and enhance the physical infrastructure of the cross-dock warehouse, which will in turn ensure the optimization of storage and distribution of local foods for those in need.
Natural Roots Farm, Conway - $43,903 - Natural Roots was awarded funding to undertake 2 projects that will enhance their summer and winter CSA programs. They will overhaul and upgrade their deteriorated 21' x 44' propagation greenhouse where they raise all of the seedlings for the farm's vegetable production, as well as hundreds of seedlings for sale to home gardeners in their community. They will also construct an 8' x 20' walk-in cooler for storage of farm-raised produce enabling us to feed their community for 12 months of the year.
Backyard Growers, Inc., Gloucester - $42,051 - Backyard Growers' proposed project will enhance community and student-driven gardens in Gloucester, Massachusetts, by improving physical infrastructure to support a more resilient and sustainable local food system. Project upgrades include new and replaced raised garden beds, irrigation and rainwater collection systems, produce washing stations, pest deterrent fencing, and storage sheds-will increase food production capacity, improve food safety, and support year-round growing and learning opportunities.
Rogers Spring Hill Farm, Inc., Haverhill - $41,920 - Rogers Spring Hill Farm was awarded funding to construct a modern post-harvest wash and pack station to expand butternut squash production and improve food distribution in MA. This investment will bring an additional 6.3 acres into cultivation, extend processing from three to five days per week, and increase seasonal output by 25%, translating to 180,000 additional servings annually. By reducing spoilage and improving product quality, the project will strengthen supply chain efficiency and expand access to affordable, locally grown produce through regional retailers that serve SNAP and WIC households.
Whittier Farms Inc., Sutton - $41,250 - Whittier Farms was awarded funding to purchase new equipment into their commercial kitchen that will aid their staff in processing their fresh produce into homemade meals and soups more efficiently. The project focuses on maximizing the quantity of produce processed while also creating labor and energy efficiencies and prioritizing food safety and reducing food waste. This project will allow Whittier Farms to enhance our direct-to-consumer market as well as our value-added production providing improved margins and revenue bolstering our self-sustaining operations.
Farmer Tim's Foods, LLC, Dudley, $40,296 - Farmer Tim was awarded funding to purchase coolers that will be used to preserve vegetables grown on the farm to allow sales beyond the growing season. Five different coolers will provide the optimal temperature, humidity, and ethylene conditions for the variety of products and allow the expansion of sales from 6 months/year to 12 months/year.
Maria's Garden, Rehoboth - $38,663 - Maria's Garden was awarded funds to construct a 30'x96' automated greenhouse with the goal of increasing production of zucchinis and cucumbers substantially (at least 3,500 lbs.) This will increase the amount of local produce that gets to their wholesaler. The expansion and protection the greenhouse provides to the physical infrastructure of the farm, keeps produce fresh, safe and accessible.
Round The Bend Farm, South Dartmouth - $38,300 - Round the Bend Farm was awarded funding to build a new refrigeration system to increase cool storage capacity for non-chemical fruits and vegetables. At present, RTB has 288 square feet of refrigerated space, which is not sufficient to store the roughly 100,000 lbs of produce currently grown on site, and the anticipated conservative estimate of 40,000 pounds of increasing tree-fruit harvests in the next 4-5 years when over 300 apple, pear, peach, and nectarine trees reach maturity in RTB's agroforestry windbreaks and orchard. The majority of the fruit & vegetables that will be stored in this refrigerator will be distributed to residents of Environmental Justice populations (meeting the criteria of minority, income, and English isolation) in New Bedford through RTB's food donation program, Manifest Love (ML), which distributes mid-May through December, but with expanded storage capacity distribution could extend through the winter months, providing nutrient dense, chemical free fruits & vegetables to families who need it most.
Clearing Brook LLC, Millis - $37,292 - The Tree Nursery and Food Forest Expansion Project at Clearing Brook LLC brings a diversity of fruits and nuts to indigenous peoples of the Commonwealth through the construction of an indoor and outdoor greenhouse and food forest with deer fencing. Using methods of agroforestry and principles of permaculture design, their project will engage community members hands-on in growing techniques and climate-smart land stewardship to increase the peoples' capacity to care for our forests, and to build more equitable and resilient local food alternatives.
City of Worcester, Senior Center, Worcester - $37,111 - The Worcester Senior Center Kitchen, which provides more than 12,000 meals each year to local seniors, was awarded funds to replace aging kitchen equipment and renovate the food preparation area to ensure safe food storage and preparation.. In partnership with Quinsigamond Community College, the program also prepares around 25 students each year for a career in local food industries.
Coastal Foodshed, New Bedford - $36,705 - Through this project, Coastal Foodshed will purchase retail shelving and tables, commercial refrigeration and freezers to better display more local food products, creating an improved shopping experience for all customers, and offering customers a wider variety of local food products. As the only HIP-eligible retailer selling farm fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local foods in New Bedford, this project will allow for a more welcoming atmosphere at the Retail Market that plays an important role in increasing access to local foods for families of all socioeconomic backgrounds, and ultimately increasing the HIP Utilization Rate in Bristol County.
Kelly Homestead Apiary, Charlton - $36,629 - This project will modernize honey extraction operations by installing a solar-powered extraction system, increasing capacity from 300-400 pounds to 3,000-4,000 pounds of honey per day. The upgrade will enable them to double their honey production colonies, improve hive health, and enhance local food availability through expanded farmers market sales and donations to food-insecure communities. Key activities include equipment installation, solar integration, honey processing, and expanded outreach to new sales and donation partners.
Myers Produce, Hatfield - $34,584 - Myers Produce, a woman-owned regional distributor based in Hatfield, Massachusetts and Hardwick, Vermont, was awarded funding to purchase coldtainers to enhance middle-of-the-supply-chain capacity. This will increase their ability to store, transport and distribute regionally-sourced frozen foods. This project will directly lead to increased resilience of the food supply chain, as well as create new revenue streams for regional producers.
Hickory Hill Farm, Chesterfield - $24,289 - Hickory Hill farm was awarded funding for the installation of a 1000 tap maple pipeline system to harvest maple sap. This will be installed on approximately 15 acres of wooded land in Chesterfield, MA
Greater Lynn Senior Services, Inc., Lynn - $22,614 - Greater Lynn Senior Services was awarded funding to coordinate a hydroponics vegetable growing project that will feature both several larger "growing sites" located in key organizations around the city as well as distribution of smaller hydroponic growing systems for resident at-home use. The expected deliverables are: 1) relief from food and nutrition insecurity for residents participating in the pilot; 2) assessment of the efficiency, scalability, and impact of a coordinated community-wide hydroponic capacity on the overall health and well-being of the increasing number of residents struggling with food and nutrition insecurity issues; and 3) a plan to implement a successful community-wide hydroponics growing campaign.
Sustainable CAPE - Center for Agricultural Preservation & Education - Truro - $21,957 - Sustainable CAPE was awarded funding to improve its ability to provide access to local, nutritious food for food-insecure individuals through infrastructure improvements. This project will fund construction upgrades and technology enhancements to the existing aggregation/storage space to expand the distribution of local food in our Food is Medicine program. The expected outcome is to serve more low-income patients with diet-related illness and to strengthen the local food system by increasing revenue for local food producers.
Franklin County Community Meals Program, Orange - $21,695 - The Frankling County Community Meal Program was awarded funding for the installation of two high tunnels on their recently purchased property for the Orange Food Pantry. These high tunnels will allow for the creation of specialized production processes and create year-round growing for fresh food support to residents. They expect to offer year-round vegetable options by extending the growing season and distribute over 300lbs of produce directly to Franklin County residents free of charge.
Chatham Fishing Adventures LLC, Chatham - $19,975 - Chatham Fishing Adventures LLC was awarded funding to enhance their current commercial fishing operation. The project will enable the business owner and captain to locate and target seafood more effectively and efficiently, thus increasing the supply of fresh fish to the Commonwealth's local food system. This project involves the replacement of the ten-year-old electronics system with a new modern electronics system and the installation will be completed by a local Massachusetts marine electronics business.
Walnut Lane, LLC, Dudley - $18,917 - Walnut Lane was awarded funding to purchase an energy-efficient, glass-front merchandisers to improve product visibility and reduce energy waste. These improvements will support their community's access to high-quality, regeneratively raised meats while strengthening their ability to serve more households year-round.
Sibling Crops, LLC, Brockton - $18,037 - Sibling Crops was awarded funding to purchase and install a stand alone generator powered walk-in cooler and a seeder attachment for their tractor.
These items will contribute to better quality and freshness of their produce as well as increase production of their crops"
Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Lowell - $16,878 - The Merrimack Valley Food Bank, one of four regional food banks in Massachusetts, was awarded grant funding for the purchase of two walk electric pallet trucks, six hand platform carts, and a set of interior swinging double doors to improve the efficiently and safely of our warehouse operations. These purchases will increase their capacity to accept, safely store, and move large amounts of food quickly and efficiently, to reduce food waste, to save energy costs, to protect the safety of their staff and volunteers, and to reduce food insecurity in the region by supplying food to 107 local food pantries and meal programs throughout our region.
Red Shirt Farm LLC & Red Shirt Farm Market LLC, Lanesborough - $16,222 - Red Shirt Farm Market was awarded funding to install a walk-in freezer that will expand cold storage for our year-round farm store and shared commercial kitchen. This infrastructure will allow their kitchen users to preserve local produce, reduce waste, and offer more frozen and value-added foods throughout the year. Project activities include procurement, professional installation, integration into our operations, and training for staff and partner users.
Ginny's Helping Hand, Inc., Leominster - $15,992 - Ginny's Helping Hand was awarded funding to purchase two commercial three door freezers to enhance food storage capacity at its food pantry, allowing for increased distribution of nutritious frozen foods to food-insecure families in North Central Massachusetts. This infrastructure improvement will directly support the storage of proteins, vegetables, and prepared meals, ensuring a more diverse and nutritious food supply for the growing number of clients experiencing food insecurity.
Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc., Boston - $15,712 - Catholic Charities was awarded funds from the Food Security Infrastructure Grant to replace a lift gate on an existing truck. As the agency continues to witness increased demand at all of its food pantries, this requires moving more food. The current lift gate is undersized and in need of repair. A new liftgate will have double the weight capacity and enhance safety and ensure uninterrupted continuity of Catholic Charities' critical food programs.
Groundwork Lawrence - Lawrence - $15,235 - Groundwork Lawrence was awarded funding to support critical infrastructure updates at their .5 acres Costell Urban Farm and upgrades across their network of 11 community gardens. The farm and gardens provide vital fresh food access to residents in Lawrence, 18.2% (MA 10.4%) of whom live below the poverty line. With this grant support, Groundwork will update the farm's irrigation system, increasing yields by 10 - 15%, and improve 2 - 3 community garden sites, which will enhance growing capacity, improve crop quality, and ensure safe, accessible spaces for diverse community members.
Needham Community Farm, Needham - $14,155 - Needham Community Farm was awarded funding to support the installation of a 9-foot deer fence to secure and enhance operations at their Farm. This addition will increase production by protecting their crops in newly expanded acreage from pests/wildlife, improve staff efficiency by removing the need for replanting, and overall lead to a 50-75% increase in total produce production. Project activities include site preparation, construction, and refinement.
Santoros Seafood Inc. d/b/a The Net Result - Vineyard Haven - $13,893 - Santoros Seafood Inc. d/b/a The Net Result was awarded funding to purchase a cloud-based traceability, labeling system and inventory management system-complete with label printers and API integrations-to digitally capture and verify seafood purchasing and sales data from 65 local fishing vessels through wholesale and local retail sales. Deliverables include fully operational hardware at dockside and in-plant, end-to-end data flows linked to state harvest records, staff training, and rollout of unique QR-enabled labels on finished packages. Over the project period, we will procure and install equipment, configure and test the software integration, conduct pilot tracing runs with key partners, and train personnel to manage, maintain, and leverage the system for expanded market access.
Aeonian Farm, Westport - $11,378 - Aeonian Farm was awarded 36 low-tunnels and one high tunnel to replace their caterpillar tunnel to support season extension capacity throughout winter and early spring. Completion of the project will greatly increase the farm's financial viability, increase local employment in the winter, and increase the availability of locally grown produce to local market patrons.
Alexander Kalife, Fairhaven - $8,783 - Alexander Kalife was awarded an autopilot system for more efficient navigation and trap setting as well as new trap gear to improve catch and cut down on loss. This will lead to continued donations of fresh locally caught scup through the United Way of Greater New Bedford's Hunger Commission.