Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $22 Million in Grants to Improve Food Security and Resiliency Across Massachusetts

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $22 million in grants today to support 113 local food producers and food system organizations, in addressing food insecurity in Massachusetts. These funds will help strengthen Massachusetts’ food production and distribution sectors, which will allow residents more access to fresh, locally grown and produced food. The grants are made possible through the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program, an innovative and competitive grant program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The program is designed to support food security initiatives that provide more equitable access to locally grown, raised, harvested and caught foods by strengthening the local food supply chain.

“Thanks to this transformative program, we’re continuing our work to ensure that food producers and distributors in Massachusetts are equipped to feed our residents with fresh local products,” said Governor Maura Healey. “While the Trump Administration is cutting food assistance for millions of people, Massachusetts is stepping up to make sure our communities have affordable, healthy food while also supporting our farmers and local businesses.”

“A strong local food system with thriving growers and supply-chain enterprises is crucial to a healthy economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “That’s why we’re invested in making ours in Massachusetts as successful as possible so all residents can have ready access to local food, and our producers and distributors have the tools and resources they need to grow more food and distribute that food across the state.”

Launched in 2020 as a recommendation of the Massachusetts Food Security Task Force, the FSIG program provides grants for capital infrastructure projects that increase access to locally produced food for families and individuals throughout the state who may be facing food insecurity, live in gateway cities or food deserts, or otherwise face unequal access to food. According to the most recent food access report by the Greater Boston Food Bank, 1 in 3 residents faced food insecurity in 2024. The program aims to foster increased collaboration between farmers, fishers, and other local food producers with the goal of maintaining a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate future supply chain issues.

“Since the inception of the FSIG program, grants have been awarded and projects funded that have allowed farms in Massachusetts to increase their production and viability during uncertain times,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “As growers continue to face challenges like unpredictable and extreme weather, unsettled labor issues, and rising costs of production, the FSIG program has helped farmers and fishers build resilience for the future while helping to feed more people in Massachusetts.”

“Farmers and food system entities have utilized their awards to fund projects that have renovated aging infrastructure to better position themselves to modernize and increase their growing and distribution capacity,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “When our growers are able to produce more food and find innovative ways to distribute that food, we all benefit by having more local options which makes us rely less on outside food sources.”

"Giving growers and producers the resources they need is pivotal to protecting and expanding our local food supply chain,” said Senator and Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Dylan Fernandes (D – Plymouth and Barnstable). “These investments will ensure that Massachusetts residents have the best access to locally grown and produced food to help keep families fed this winter.”

“Far too many people understand the ongoing struggle to keep healthy food on the table, and this program has been one way that we can leverage our incredible local seafood industry and community nonprofits to maintain a consistent supply of fresh, nutritious food,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D – Second Bristol and Plymouth), who is a strong supporter of the FSIG program and legislative efforts backing local fishermen and farmers. “The pandemic exposed great weaknesses in our national food supply that have not been resolved years after that emergency ended. Therefore, it is vital that we continue to invest in our local infrastructure and community partners through programs such as FSIG.”

“Our FSIG program is a model for other states in showing how to help local food systems thrive,” said Representative and Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Natalie Blais (D – Sunderland). “Here in Massachusetts, we believe in our farmers and believe that investing in our neighbors not only makes economic sense but also ensures access to fresh, local, healthy food.”

“From our farms to our fishing boats, local food producers are the foundation of Massachusetts’ economy, food security, and community resilience,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “During the pandemic, we saw firsthand how fragile national and global food supply lines can be. Investing in programs like the Food Security Infrastructure Grant helps ensure that when disruptions occur, we have strong, local systems in place to feed our residents. By strengthening our ability to grow, harvest, and distribute food here at home, we are supporting our economy, our communities, and the health of every Massachusetts family.”

The following are this year’s FSIG awards:

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