Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP)

The overall goal of the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is to increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities. The MFVP will help implement goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises. With expanded investment, completed projects will improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested or caught food products through the development of collaborations with local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. Key areas for investment include: food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system; improved distribution systems to support opportunities for equitable access to fresh local food; and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food.

The following are examples of potential, eligible Food Ventures projects

• Food Processing Infrastructure - Creation of commercial food processing infrastructure to ensure availability of Massachusetts produced foods and which can benefit low and moderate income households.

• Non Retail: Food Commissaries - Innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms and partners, create new local food retail markets or improve marketing within low income communities. Proposals may include requests for support for infrastructure, distribution, processing and marketing plans that demonstrate increased access to low to moderate income communities.

• Food Co-Ops - Proposals for construction, renovation or build-out of existing facilities that will create new permanent jobs and/or greater access to affordable, fresh food.

• Greenhouses and Farmers’ markets - Develop and build facilities designed to increase year round access of diverse food production and distribution to existing or new markets to benefit low to moderate income communities.

• Food Hubs - Capital for infrastructure to build or renovate sites for new or existing ventures that improve commercial food access in low to moderate income communities.

• Commercial Markets - Innovative projects that connect local food producers and partners in order to develop, build or renovate a large scale retail market, designed to improve commercial distribution of healthy, locally produced food. Proposals may include initiatives for new construction or the renovation of an existing building. Must clearly document a community demand and outline a marketing strategy for expansion of commercial food access and distribution in low to moderate income areas.

• Mobile Markets/Innovative Markets - To purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles to provide healthy Massachusetts food including meats, seafood, vegetables, and fresh or frozen produce for purchase. Must provide marketing strategy that demonstrates the expansion of commercial access and distribution in low to moderate income communities.

Who May Apply?

• Massachusetts Municipalities

• Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit organizations

• Individual Residents of Massachusetts

Examples of ineligible project areas:

• Funding for audits, feasibility studies or design work.

• Operation or maintenance costs associated with the proposed grant investment.

• Staff or consultant time on proposals for projects that have already been completed or for which the applicant seeks reimbursement.

Examples of ineligible project areas:

• Funding for audits, feasibility studies or design work.

• Operation or maintenance costs associated with the proposed grant investment.

• Staff or consultant time on proposals for projects that have already been completed or for which the applicant seeks reimbursement.

Apply online at this portal.

Or mail you application materials to:

Rose Arruda

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

251 Causeway Street, Suite 500

Boston, MA 02114

If you apply by mail, make sure that you have a complete application as described in the RFR (found here). In addition, do not use staple pages, use only paper clips or binder clips. Allow ample time for shipping. Submissions must be RECEIVED by the deadline. MDAR is not responsible for any shipping company delays, or building access.

• Application Portal and Request for Responses