Press Release: 3/6/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $250,000 in Grants to Strengthen Local Food Access and Support Community Food Systems

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

3/05/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Phu Mai, Director of Communications

 Online

Email Phu Mai, Director of Communications at phu.mai@mass.gov

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $250,000 in grants to Local Food Policy Councils and community food group organizations to expand access to healthy, locally-grown food across Massachusetts.

Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), the Local Food Policy Grant Program supports emerging and established local food policy councils and food working groups as they build stronger, more resilient local food systems. The funding will help communities increase food production and distribution capacity, improve coordination among partners, and implement initiatives aligned with the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan.

“None of our residents should struggle to put food on the table” said Governor Maura Healey. “This funding is about making sure families can find fresh, affordable food in their own communities. Investing in local food systems means people get fed, farmers and small businesses are supported and our food supply is stronger.”

“Local food policy councils represent the best of Team Massachusetts in action – bringing together farmers, families, small businesses and advocates to improve quality of life in every corner of the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants ensure communities have the tools and resources they need to expand access to local food and build stronger, more connected food systems.”

Through this program, councils and community groups will host workshops and public forums to connect residents with local food resources, conduct research to better understand regional food supply chains, and support initiatives that expand equitable access to food. The program also supports local food policy efforts designed to remove barriers and create lasting improvements in how food is grown, distributed and accessed.   

“Building a strong local food system protects the land that feeds us and keeps farms viable for the next generation,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “It supports healthy soil and clean water in our communities, and creates stable jobs rooted in our natural resources. Investing in local food strengthens our environment and delivers lasting benefits for people right here at home.” 

“Our network of local food policy councils and other similar food organizations work creatively by bringing together a variety of agricultural stakeholders including farmers, fisheries, small food businesses, and community members to advocate for policies and programming that increase local food access and promote the benefits of local food,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle.“We are thrilled to be able to offer these grant awards that will go a long way towards positively impacting the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents, supporting our farming community, and enhancing the state’s food system.

These grants build on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader efforts to combat food insecurity. Following President Trump’s decision to freeze SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown, Governor Healey worked with the United Way to raise $7 million for food pantries. Additionally, in her proposed budget, she increased funding for food banks through the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Local food policy councils play a critical role in advancing the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan, which focuses on increasing production and consumption of locally grown food, reducing hunger and food insecurity, and expanding the availability of healthy food options in underserved communities.

"Fresh, affordable, healthy and most importantly, locally grown foods are vital to our local food systems, and this investment will not only allow residents to access more of these food options but also support our farmers and small businesses," said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D - 2nd Essex District). "Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making these critical investments to support local food systems."

“Strengthening local food systems is of the utmost importance, particularly in rural districts like mine,” said State Representative Leigh Davis (D – Great Barrington). “Berkshire Bounty is a critical partner in providing food rescue and delivery services to the communities who need it the most. I am grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s investment in these vital efforts.”

The following are the grant recipients for Fiscal Year 2026:

Grantee	Award Amount
Boston Food Access Council	$20,000
Barnstable County (Cape Cod Cooperative Extension)	$19,981.25
Berkshire Bounty	$9,000
Central MA Regional Planning Council	$17,348
City of Boston	$20,000
City of Everett	$9,000
City of Salem	$19,500
Collaborative for Educational Services	$19,940.69
Community Health Programs, Inc./CHP Berkshires	$20,000
MA Food System Collaborative	$ 6,338
Marion Institute	$20,000
Mill City Grows	$ 8,892.06
PACE	$20,000
Town of Hudson	$20,000
Town of Ware	$20,000

Grantee	Award Amount

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