Governor Healey recently announced $26.3 million in additional funding to improve food security in Massachusetts...
Governor Healey recently announced $26.3 million to strengthen Massachusetts’ food supply system and mitigate disruptions in the supply chain. The newly announced funding also aims to improve food security around the state, according to a press release.
“In speaking to farmers over the past week, it’s clear that they need support now more than ever after being hit hard by extreme weather events from flooding to drought to late frost,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our farmers are the backbone of Massachusetts’ food infrastructure, and it’s critical that we continue to make short and long-term investments through grants like these to help strengthen resiliency and enhance mitigation efforts.”
“Our food system is highly localized. It is important to build a food network that nourishes our communities and sustains businesses and workers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “With the recent flooding, more Massachusetts communities are experiencing food insecurity, making it even more imperative that we ensure food producers are given the resources they need to meet increased demand while also providing healthy food to residents.”
The Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program was established to provide grants for capital infrastructure investments that increase access to locally produced food for families and individuals across the state who may be experiencing food insecurity, living in food deserts, or otherwise experiencing unequal access to food.
1 in 3 Massachusetts adults struggle with food insecurity, according to an annual report published by the Greater Boston Food Bank. "There is still so much more to be done to meet the need," said Catherine D’Amato, President & CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. "It must be a statewide priority to create and adequately support a just food system that ensures the basic human right to food.”
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