$300,000 Awarded To Boost Urban Agriculture In Boston
The funding will support community-led agriculture projects.
Boston Government
Housing
July 7, 2023
Excerpt:
The Mayor’s Office of Housing announced a significant investment of more than $300,000 in funding aimed at bolstering urban agriculture and open space initiatives across Boston. This funding is dedicated to supporting community-led gardening, farming, and open space projects as part of the GrowBoston: Office of Urban Agriculture’s Grassroots Program.
“Grassroots funding is a major step in promoting urban agriculture and community empowerment in Boston,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “We invest in diverse projects like urban farms, community gardens, and open spaces, creating opportunities for education, sustainability, and neighborhood engagement. Through the Grassroots Program, the City transforms vacant lots into flourishing gardens which in turn foster community pride. This funding demonstrates this administration’s commitment to equitable access to healthy food and vibrant neighborhoods. We are proud to support these initiatives and anticipate their positive impact on our communities.”
The Grassroots Program, an integral component of GrowBoston, seeks to actively engage community groups, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and enhance food security throughout Boston. By providing financial support and access to City-owned land, the program empowers local initiatives and strengthens the city’s commitment to fostering a resilient and healthy community.
The recently announced funding will be allocated to the development of urban farms, community gardens, and other open spaces. The Roxbury, Dorchester, and East Boston neighborhoods will be the recipients of this year’s capital improvement investments, with four deserving sites awarded the latest round of Grassroots funding. GrowBoston has selected Mass Liberation, The Guild, Eastie Farm, and Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation as the non-profit grantees. They will have one year to utilize the funds for these projects.
