Healey-Driscoll Administration Provides $943,255 Food Security Infrastructure Grant to Boston Area Gleaners in Acton to Increase Access to Healthy, Affordable Food
The grant will support the Boston Area Gleaners’ crop surplus recovery program that provides food access initiatives with fresh produce
Acton, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton), and State Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord) are proud to announce that the Healey-Driscoll administration awarded the Boston Area Gleaners with $943,255 to support their food recovery efforts and provide fresh produce to food access initiatives in the surrounding area.
The Boston Area Gleaners is a regional food systems initiative focused on increasing access to healthy food and reducing systemic food waste. The organization harvests surplus crops that farmers would not otherwise be able to recover, a process known as “gleaning.” Additionally, the organization coordinates a network of 90 farms in Eastern Massachusetts which donate surplus produce to the Gleaners. The Gleaners then distribute this produce to food pantries, food banks, community kitchens, and other food access initiatives.
The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) will support the Gleaners’ food storage and distribution systems, including their Stonefield Farm property in Acton. Stonefield Farm is a 300 year-old continuously operating food production site sold to the Boston Area Gleaners in 2021. As the operating base for the Gleaners’ storing and packing crops, as well as supporting emerging farmers.
In total, the Healey-Driscoll Administration distributed over $22 million to Massachusetts-based food producers and food systems organizations through the FSIG program. The 113 organizations that received funding are committed to advancing equitable access to locally grown food that will be distributed through a strengthened supply chain.
The grant announcement arrives as the federal shutdown threatens the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits of more than 1.1 million Massachusetts residents. Of those 1.1 million SNAP recipients, 32 percent are children, 26 percent are seniors, and 31 percent are people with disabilities. As of November 1, these individuals will see their benefits eliminated, an unprecedented event. In all previous government shutdowns, the president has made the executive decision to continue funding to the SNAP program.
On November 1, restrictions to SNAP eligibility based on immigration status and work requirements will be implemented by the federal government. As a result of these new federal restrictions, Massachusetts residents will face possible reduction in benefits or elimination from the program. Any changes to an individual’s SNAP eligibility will be decided at the individual’s annual recertification deadline and a notice will be sent to each individual facing eligibility changes. More information can be found on the Massachusetts government’s frequently asked questions webpage.
“As federal funding cuts threaten the physical well-being of over one million Massachusetts residents, it is of vital importance that our state and local governments continue to support food access initiatives like the Boston Area Gleaners,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “I would like to thank Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, and Boston Area Gleaners Executive Director Usha Thakrar for their critical investment in food access infrastructure. This program will bolster the organizations and farmers that provide healthy, affordable food for our residents during these challenging times.”
“Funding for food security programs is particularly important now in the face of cuts from the federal government. These programs are essential,” said Rep Sena. “I’m happy to see this grant go to the Boston Area Gleaners, who do such important work to ensure that all can access affordable, healthy food. I’m thankful for the Healey-Driscoll administration’s investment in our community.”
“As we face unprecedented challenges to food security, programs like the Boston Area Gleaners are a lifeline for families across Massachusetts,” said State Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord). “The Commonwealth’s investment in this initiative helps put healthy, local food on the table while also reducing waste. I'm grateful for the leadership of my colleagues in the Legislature, Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, and Boston Area Gleaners Executive Director Usha Thakrar, as well as the local farms who participate in this initiative.”
“With food insecurity levels expected to reach all time highs in the coming weeks and months, Boston Area Gleaners' is preparing to meet increased demand. Our ability to source and distribute fresh healthy food to our communities is only limited by our operational capacity,” said Usha Thakrar of Boston Area Gleaners. “We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for investing in this critically important infrastructure which will allow us to more than triple our food distribution by 2028.”
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