Press Release  Governor Healey Awards Nearly $7 Million to Support Local Farms, Fisheries and Food Banks

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced nearly $7 million in grants to 72 farms, fisheries, food banks and other community organizations across Massachusetts to help strengthen the state’s local food system and pay for equipment and facility improvements that help produce, store and deliver food. 

Nearly $3 million will support food banks and other organizations working to get food to residents experiencing hunger. Other awards will help Massachusetts farmers and fishers purchase equipment, expand production and reach more customers.

“No family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Local food banks and community organizations are on the front lines of fighting hunger, and they are seeing more people asking for help,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help them purchase the refrigerators, kitchen equipment and delivery vehicles they need to get more fresh, healthy food to families across Massachusetts.”

“Our local food system represents so much of what makes Massachusetts special, from our cranberry growers and fisheries to our dairy farms, maple producers, and fruit and vegetable growers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Investing in these producers strengthens local businesses, supports jobs, and keeps more of our food dollars here in Massachusetts.” 

The grants are awarded through the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Awards range from approximately $10,000 to $500,000 and will fund projects including farm and fishing equipment, cold storage, commercial kitchens, food-processing equipment, and delivery vehicles.

“A strong local food system needs the right infrastructure to get fresh food from our farms and fisheries to people’s tables,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Cold storage, processing equipment, and other investments may not be the most visible parts of our food system, but they are essential to making it work. These investments help reduce food waste, expand access to locally produced food, and support healthier communities and a healthier environment.”

“The Food Security Infrastructure Grant program is a critical bright spot that empowers our farmers, fishers, and local food organizations to build robust, long-term, and resilient supply chains,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “We are especially proud that 60 percent of this year's awardees are first-time grant recipients, representing a diverse cross-section of the food system and ensuring that these grants reach deeper into our communities to bolster food security while supporting local producers.”

Established in 2020, the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program supports the equipment and facilities needed to grow, harvest, process, store, and distribute food across Massachusetts.

These awards are the latest in Governor Healey’s efforts to strengthen every part of Massachusetts’ food system – from helping families afford healthy food to supporting the farms and food businesses that produce it. The administration has worked to protect access to SNAP and strengthened the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which helps SNAP households purchase local fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting Massachusetts farmers. The Governor’s latest state budget included a provision establishing a tax credit of up to $5,000 annually for Massachusetts farmers who donate food to non-profit food distribution organizations, food banks, and pantries. The Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force has also identified additional actions to address food insecurity, while the Mass Ready Act invests in farms, food infrastructure, and the long-term resilience of food production across Massachusetts.

“Delighted to cheer the steadfast partnership between the Healey/Driscoll Administration — especially the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources — and the Legislature which continues to invest in building and strengthening food and farm security infrastructure,” said State Senator and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Food System Caucus Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “The transformative FSIG grants are lifelines for farms and organizations across western and north central Massachusetts. A shared commitment to FSIG means stronger farms, more resilient supply chains, and a future where everyone in Massachusetts has access to nutritious, local food.” 

"With rising food prices and declining federal assistance, food security remains a critical issue across the Commonwealth, but particularly in working class communities like East Boston," said State Representative Adrian Madaro (D – Boston). "These grants will go a long way toward empowering neighborhood organizations to continue their work of providing vital food assistance to under-resourced neighbors and strengthening local food systems in urban communities like ours." 

The following are the FSIG grant recipients for Fiscal Year 2027: 

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