Senator Eldridge and Representative Hogan announces up to $179,400 grant to install on-site solar for Open Table in Maynard
Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP) Grant will fund the installation of on-site solar panels at Open Table in Maynard.
MAYNARD – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow) are happy to announce that Open Table in Maynard has received up to $179,400 through the Low-Income Services Solar Program Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as part of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The grant funding will be used to install a 55-KW rooftop solar system at Open Table’s Maynard Annex Building location. The Maynard Annex Building serves as the foundation of Open Table’s food services operation, which serves thousands of community members in need annually through the site itself and mobile services. Once installed, the solar system is estimated to save Open Table $8,300 USD in electricity costs annually.
The Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP) was enacted by the legislature in 2022 with the aim to support the green transition for non-profits that serve low-income and environmental justice communities. Bringing solar directly to the facilities of organizations that provide critical services in communities builds resiliency, reliability, and sustainability for non-profits. Importantly, solar systems also reduce energy needs and utility costs, freeing up additional funds for non-profit’s mission-driven services. The program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) through its Powering Community Services with Solar initiative and is administered by the Center for EcoTechnology.
Open Table works in twenty-one municipalities across the metrowest area to provide healthy food that respects the dignity and diversity of those in need. The organization's strategic mission works to address both short- and long-term food injustices by breaking down barriers to food access caused by transportation, stigma, and bias. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to social justice and ensuring that people from all backgrounds and walks of life do not go hungry.
“I was incredibly happy to see Open Table receive a Low-Income Services Solar Program Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), to install a 55-KW rooftop solar system at Open Table’s Maynard Annex Building. This grant will reduce energy costs and build energy resilience for the non-profit, which is a leading organization in combating food insecurity for the district that I represent,” said State Senator Eldridge. “The energy savings from the rooftop solar will allow Open Table to dedicate even more precious dollars to ensuring that area residents do not go hungry.”
"This new solar system is estimated to save Open Table $8,300 annually on its electricity costs, which means it can redirect funds to its core mission of ending hunger in our community," said Rep. Kate Hogan. "Thanks to the solar systems funded in this third round of LISSP grants, our communities will also have cleaner air and improved public health. We are grateful to DOER and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for administering these grants."
“Open Table is thrilled to receive this grant and become a more energy efficient organization,” said Open Table’s Executive Director, Alex DePalo. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to both reduce hunger, and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Visit the Mass Department of Energy Resources Low-Income Services Solar Program Press Release to learn more information about the grant and the allocation of funds.
###
