PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state awarded Roots Rising a Food Security Infrastructure Grant of $430,219 to go towards establishing a youth farm.

 

"It's so exciting that there will be a farm in the Berkshires whose central mission is to empower youth, connect the community to the land, and strengthen our local food system. The possibilities for what we can become and accomplish together are infinite. It's a different way altogether of thinking about community and agriculture," said Lauren Piotrowski, farmer and Roots Rising program manager.

 

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program seeks to ensure local food producers are better connected to a robust and resilient food supply system in order to mitigate future food supply and distribution disruption issues. 

 

Roots Rising, a farm-based youth development program will use the grant, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, to establish a teen-powered, community-centered youth farm.

 

According to a press release, the farm will address the needs of the community, including the vulnerabilities in our food system made evident by the pandemic. 

 

Local farmers are experiencing a shortage of experienced workers, and the Youth Farm will serve as a training ground to cultivate the next generation of changemakers and land-stewards. 

 

Youth Farm programming is currently being developed in conversation with the community and Roots Rising's youth. The farm will integrate Roots Rising's food justice and youth development work while supporting the goals of the organization: "connecting youth to the land and making healthy food available for all."

 

"We couldn't be more proud and excited for this incredible investment in our Youth Farm. From our organization's beginning, the community has had our back. It truly takes a village to launch a farm, and we feel the upwelling of excitement for this new initiative. Roots Rising's Youth Farm will give our organization a home where it truly belongs- right in the heart of our city and community," said Roots Rising Co-Directors, Jamie Samowitz and Jessica Vecchia.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration announced the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program in May 2020 as part of a $56 million investment to combat urgent food insecurity for many Massachusetts families and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program implements the recommendations of the Food Security Task Force, comprised of public and private members charged with ensuring food insecurity and food supply needs are addressed during the COVID-19 public health emergency, which was convened by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center in response to increased demands for food assistance.

 

In total, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $22.5 million in funding to food producers across the Commonwealth.