Berkshire Farms, Organizations Receive Food Access Grants
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $8.2 million to support greater food access to residents in underserved Massachusetts communities.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is awarding the Urban Agriculture Program, the Local Food Policy Council Program, the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program, and Local Food Purchase Assistance Plus Program grants to 42 businesses and organizations that will help strengthen the local food system and address food insecurity.
"One of the most effective ways to combat hunger and food insecurity in our state is to strengthen our local food systems," said Governor Maura Healey. "We’re proud to support our community leaders who are at the heart of these critical initiatives that help to make sure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown food."
In Berkshire County, Red Shirt Farm in Lanesborough was awarded $50,000. Grant funds will be used for infrastructure costs as this business completes its farm store and commercial kitchen, serving the greater community with fresh produce and new value-added products.
Berkshire Grown in Great Barrington was awarded $750,000. Berkshire Grown is collaborating with Berkshire Bounty to expand their Berkshire Farm to Food Access Partnership working across Western MA. This partnership with the regional Buy Local group works to provide a consistent outlet for locally grown produce and, through a strong network of existing partnerships across Berkshire County, deliver the produce to nearly two dozen sites.
