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星期三, 9月 30, 2020

波市府廣場升五星旗 港、藏、維吾爾、越南團體抗議

 

波士頓香港人權組織舉旗抗議。(周菊子攝)
           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓市政府廣場今(930)日升起五星旗,但現場無人仰望,致意,倒是大約30名抗議人士的喊口號,揮舞藏獨旗,港獨旗,越南旗與標語,帶出一點氣氛。

                 抗議人群在波士頓市政府廣場前展示抗議訊息一個多小時,打電話進市政府,要求面見市長,不得要領,但獲悉市長將在市府大樓前舉行記者會,於是留在現場,繼續抗議。

早上1115分以後,當馬丁華殊在市政府大廳內向出席記者匯報疫情時,抗議人群在市府大樓入口處透明的玻璃門外,大聲呼口號。馬丁華殊在市府大廳內朗讀疫情報告時的表情,也明顯可見他的心情受影響。

香港,西藏,維吾爾,越南,法輪功等團體聯袂在波士頓市府廣場前抗議升五星旗。
(周菊子攝)
         波士頓前鋒報(Boston Herald)在提問時間問馬丁華殊,屋外那麼多人大聲抗議,他有什麼看法。但馬丁華殊只說我現在沒有意見可說。記者會結束後,該記者再追問,馬丁華殊也仍然不置一詞。

            波士頓環球報訪問住在安多福鎮(Andover)的高秉浩醫生時,他說,(五星旗)是踐踏人權的象徵,壓制少數族裔,無視人類自由和人權的象徵,不應該出現在波士頓

            在香港長大,現已退休的Anita Ng則說,她希望香港內的警察暴力可以停止,中國當局得為在半自治領土內的鎮壓執法負責。她指著五星旗說,這裡是自由的土地,你怎麼能讓那升上去?”

波士頓市長在市政府大廳內匯報疫情,抗議人士在玻璃門外舉旗喊口號。(周菊子攝)

             今早在波士頓市府廣場抗議的人群,除了支持香港獨立,呼籲光復香港,時代革命制止香港警察暴力的波士頓香港人權組織外,西藏,越南,法輪功等團體,分別舉出標語牌,寫有西藏自由”維吾爾種族滅絕杯葛中國","中國共產黨不等於中國人中國共產黨是最糟的病毒等。他們還喊出波士頓支持人權中共說謊,人民死亡等口號。

                其中比較讓人奇怪的標語牌是解雇佛奇(Fired Fauci)”,意指美國最頂尖的傳染病專家Anthony Fauci

            十月一日是中華人民共和國的國慶日,波士頓的華人僑胞在這天前後,聚在波士頓廣場前舉行升旗典禮,安排表演活動慶祝,已逾10年,每次都有至少一、兩百人出席。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)不願意表示他對抗議升旗活動的意見。
(周菊子攝)
          因為新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情,政府對戶外群聚人數有限制規定等情況,波士頓僑學界國慶籌委會對外發言人梁添光表示,今年只升旗,在華埠街頭掛串旗,十月一日在星島日報上登全版彩色廣告,此外沒有任何的其他慶祝活動。

波士頓華人前進會928日在微信上發出的通知,也說由於疫情,今年的升旗典禮訂930日在市政府廣場舉行,但無聚集性慶祝活動。

據悉,波士頓僑界有福建同鄉會、商會等組織於9月27日在一民宅舉辦了小型的十一慶祝會。梁添光表示,雖然波士頓僑學界國慶籌委會成員之一的梁利堂也參加了該慶祝會,但該活動和有20多人組成的波士頓僑學界籌委會無關。(更新版)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND GRANTS

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND GRANTS 

This round of funding represents $472,984 to 10 community organizations

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee today announced the next round of Boston Resiliency Fund grants, totalling $472,984 in funding to 10 community organizations. Of the nonprofits receiving grants this round, 54 percent are led by a person of color and 27 percent are women-led. 

"The Boston Resiliency Fund has been vital to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in partnership with our nonprofit organizations has been fundamental to bringing resources and support directly to Bostonians in need," said Mayor Walsh. "Thank you to all of the community organizations who continue to work together with the City of Boston and help our most vulnerable residents."

Since launching the Boston Resiliency Fund in March, $33.2 million has been raised, and Mayor Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee has distributed $27.4 million to 351 organizations. Of the nonprofits to have received a grant, 54 percent are led by a person of color, 57 percent are women-led and 27 percent are immigrant-serving. A map and list of every organization that has received funding from the Boston Resiliency Fund can be found here.

"Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA) appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Boston Resiliency Fund to give Latinx families as well as other English Language Learners (ELLs) in our community-based Adult Basic Education (ABE) and allied health training job program gift cards to buy nourishing food for their households," said Johannah Malone, Co-Director of Mujeres Unidas Avanzando. "MUA is beyond thrilled to see families have generous amounts on their gift cards to fill their cart with the foods they most like to eat, colorful produce, necessary toiletries that might otherwise stretch their household budgets, and a treat or two. Thank you, Boston Resiliency Fund!"   

"Six months later Boston families are continuing to struggle with the real life consequences of COVID-19. Layoffs, childcare issues, and a general reduction in income leave families with difficult choices about how to spend what they have," said Matt LiPuma, Executive Director of the Family Nurturing Center of Center. "Thanks to the Boston Resiliency Fund, Family Nurturing Center is continuing to provide families in its programs with food, diapers, and other personal items."

This round's grantees represent organizations working across the City of Boston to increase access to food and other basic needs: 

Breaktime: Breaktime will use the funding to increase their meal delivery capacity. Using this grant, Breaktime will distribute fresh produce and groceries to East Boston, Roxbury and Dorchester. They will also use this funding to empower young Bostonians experiencing homelessness with job opportunities. 

Boston BullPen Project Inc.: The Boston BullPen Project continues to help people avoid eviction, homelessness, food insecurity, technology deficits and medical crises while maintaining their dignity. Their partner agencies identify individuals/families in a crisis situation and they financially help prevent the crisis from worsening.

Cape Verdean Association of Boston: Using the Boston Resiliency Fund grant, the Cape Verdean Association of Boston will continue their distribution of groceries, fruits and vegetables, and PPE to families and seniors in need. 

Dress for Success Boston: Funding from the Boston Resiliency Fund will enable Dress for Success Boston to continue its Suiting Program virtually. Women who contact them for professional attire will be connected with a volunteer stylist via Zoom. Clothing will be paid for by Dress for Success Boston and shipped directly to the client. With funding from the Boston Resiliency fund, Dress for Success would be able to cover the cost of clothing that is purchased online.

Family Nurturing Center of MA: Using this grant from the Boston Resiliency Fund, the Family Nurturing Center will be able to continue to provide food, diapers, wipes, and cleaning supplies for families in need.

The Food Project: The Food Project will use this Boston Resiliency Fund grant to continue to grow and distribute affordable, nutritious food to residents all over Boston during their harvest season.

Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA): Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA) will use the grant from the Boston Resiliency Fund to purchase grocery store gift cards to distribute to low-income families.

New England Baptist Hospital: NEBH will use BRF funds to mitigate food insecurity by distributing prepared meals, grocery gift cards, and clothing to low-income families in Mission Hill and Roxbury, working with the Roxbury Tenants of Harvard, Maria Sanchez House and the Tobin Community Center. For elderly neighbors who are homebound, NEBH is coordinating fresh food/meal delivery weekly. Funds will also be used to purchase basic necessities such as cleaning supplies.

 Wilahmena's Place Inc.: Wilahmena's Place Inc. will use this BRF grant to sustain their efforts to provide non-perishables, fresh fruit and vegetables, toiletries, sanitizer, soap, cleaning supplies and gift cards to students, elders and families in need, with a focus on the Grove Hall neighborhood. 

YMCA of Greater Boston: Using this Boston Resiliency Fund grant, the YMCA of Greater Boston will be able to continue the operation of meal sites at 11 area YMCAs, in addition to delivering grocery bags to schools and other community-based locations. 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS  

$25 million available to distribute to projects that build affordable housing, preserve historic sites or create open space and recreation

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the release of eligibility forms and timeline for applications for the upcoming round of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. For Fiscal Year 2021, the City of Boston has made $25 million available for CPA projects under three categories consistent with statewide guidelines: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space or recreation. Interested applicants must complete eligibility forms by October 16, 2020 that will be reviewed by the Community Preservation Act team. Candidates deemed eligible by the CPA team will be invited to submit an application for historic preservation, and open space and recreation projects. Applications will open on October 5, 2020 and close on November 13, 2020. 

"Now more than ever, we must remain committed to making investments that directly benefit our residents and our communities," said Mayor Walsh. "Projects funded by the Community Preservation Act are proposed and implemented by community members and build affordable housing, preserve historic sites and create open space or recreation. I encourage everyone with projects to get familiarized with the application process and take advantage of this opportunity  that will directly benefit our neighborhoods."

In August, Mayor Walsh announced $30 million available from the Department of Neighborhood Development and Community Preservation Act funds for Requests for Proposals for affordable housing.

"I, along with my fellow committee members, feel honored to be tasked with the worthwhile challenge of reviewing the applications and working on CPA funding recommendations to present to Mayor Walsh and the City Council," said Felicia Jacques, chair of the Community Preservation Committee. "This is a great opportunity for organizations to embark on transformative projects that will have a tangible impact in our community."

Organizations, nonprofits and community groups are all encouraged to apply. Staff from the City's Community Preservation Program will be hosting virtual application information sessions on October 7, 2020 and October 14, 2020 for historic preservation and open space and recreation projects to provide a detailed overview of the application process and requirements. Those interested are asked to submit their RSVP to here

After the end of the application period, the Community Preservation Committee will review applications by January 2021 and vote on a list of proposals in February to recommend to Mayor Walsh. Mayor Walsh will make a recommendation of CPA awards to be voted on by the City Council.

The Community Preservation Fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills that began in July 2017 after Boston voters adopted the measure in November 2016. The last round of CPA awards in February 2020 funded over $24 million to 40 projects across the city, including affordable housing developments and programs, parks and open space, and historic preservation projects consistent with statewide guidelines. 

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is committed to broad community participation, supporting accessible and visible projects that have a positive impact on neighborhoods and residents. CPA staff has been hosting community conversations in various neighborhoods to explain the eligibility requirements and the application process to residents and organizations interested in applying for funding. 

As part of his legislative agenda, Mayor Walsh advocated for adjusting the surcharge on fees for recording deeds to increase the State CPA match, protecting the Act that more than 170 cities and towns depend on for the creation of affordable housing, open space, and historic preservation. The FY20 State budget increased the match, raising an estimated additional $36 million in revenue, putting the state match at around 30 percent and allowing us to invest more in our communities.

For more information about the Community Preservation Act, visit here. For individuals interested in completing the eligibility form, visit here.  

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW FALL AND WINTER SUPPORT FOR RESTAURANTS

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW FALL AND WINTER SUPPORT FOR RESTAURANTS

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 30 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the expansion of the Reopen Boston Fund to ensure restaurants in Boston are able to purchase necessary equipment for outdoor dining this fall and winter. This opportunity will include costs to cover heaters, storage equipment, and propane.

In May, Mayor Walsh announced the $6 million Reopen Boston Fund, which provides debt-free grants to support the safe and healthy reopening of small businesses in Boston. To date, the City of Boston has issued more than $2.5 million in direct grants to 1,325 qualified small businesses to implement necessary public health measures and to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. The Reopen Boston Fund continues to offer grants to eligible small businesses of up to $2,000 (for non-restaurants) to assist with reopening costs, now with the expanded fall and winter relief category for restaurants up to $3,000 (for restaurants). Applications are now open, and will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis.

"As we head into the cooler months, we want to support the restaurants and businesses that bring so much to our neighborhoods," said Mayor Walsh. "Restaurants have continued to face incredible challenges during this pandemic, and we remain committed to supporting them, whether it's through expanded outdooring dining, or additional funding." 

The new fall and winter relief opportunity is available for restaurants operating in the City of Boston with under 25 employees, and which has been approved by the Licensing Board for the City of Boston to operate outdoor dining through the temporary extension permitting process. Any restaurants that have not yet applied for or received funding from the Reopen Boston Fund can apply for up to $3,000 to cover reopening costs associated with outdoor dining. Restaurants who previously received Reopen Boston funds are eligible for additional funds and may re-submit an updated budget that includes fall and winter relief and does not exceed $3,000 in total. Eligible expenses include outdoor heating equipment, including heaters, storage, and propane; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); and outdoor seating materials like tables, chairs, barriers. Information and applications are available at boston.gov/reopen-fund. 

On September 15, the Licensing Board for the City of Boston issued an advisory regarding the extension of the City's Temporary Outdoor Dining Program and the use of approved heaters. Restaurants utilizing public sidewalks and parking lanes for outdoor dining may continue the approved use of those spaces until December 1, 2020, weather permitting or until further notice or until the Boston Licensing Board issues further guidance. Outdoor dining on private property has been extended for the duration of the COVID-19 related public health emergency. In addition, application fees will be waived for businesses that apply for a permit for outdoor propane heaters from the Boston Fire Department.  All restaurants applying for the additional grant must have an approved Extension of Premises License and a permit from the Boston Fire Department for any outdoor heating requirements.

Licensees interested in the Temporary Outdoor Dining Program that have not previously applied may do so via the online application process. If businesses need support through this process, please email smallbiz@boston.gov for technical assistance. A list of restaurants with outdoor dining is available on boston.gov.

Today's fall and winter relief announcement builds on the work the Walsh Administration has undertaken to support small businesses during the City's COVID-19 response and through the reopening of our economy. In total, the City of Boston has dedicated over $12.6 million in City, federal, and private funding to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. 

Through the Small Business Relief Fund, Mayor Walsh has announced that nearly $6.5 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,800 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston. The City of Boston has also created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents to supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/covid19-businesses. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit  boston.gov/coronavirus.

Greater Boston Chamber Announces Partnership with Project Beacon for COVID-19 Testing Solutions

 Greater Boston Chamber Announces

Partnership with Project Beacon for COVID-19 Testing Solutions

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce announces a partnership today with Project Beacon to make additional testing available to employers and institutions. Project Beacon is a non-profit founded by the Broad Institute, F Prime Capital, and GV focused on providing low cost, end-to-end COVID 19 testing solutions.  

Employers can work with Project Beacon to implement a testing regimen, set up a site, or develop a testing strategy for employees. Costs range from $40 to $90 per test depending on the scope of testing services involved. The tests are processed by labs at the Broad Institute, and test results are generally provided within 24 hours.  

“In addition to limiting COVID spread, widespread testing will help employees feel safe when they return to the workplace,” said James E. Rooney, Chamber President and CEO. “We’re proud to partner with Project Beacon because it leverages the world-class Broad Institute to get us one step closer to the ‘anywhere, anytime’ standard for testing.” 

“Project Beacon is thrilled to partner with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce,” said Muz Mansuri, Executive Director of Project Beacon. “Expanding testing to employers is key to both containing and recovering from the COVID pandemic. This partnership will enable us to help employers in Boston access the testing they need.” 

Employers interested in learning more can contact Kevin Chu at info@beacontesting.com

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $5.5 Million to Improve Food Security in Massachusetts

 Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $5.5 Million to Improve Food Security in Massachusetts 

BOSTON – Building on efforts to ensure a resilient, secure food supply chain in the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced over $5.5 million in grants to address urgent food insecurity for Massachusetts residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is being awarded as part of the third round of the new $36 million Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, created following recommendations from the Administration’s COVID-19 Command Center’s Food Security Task Force, which promotes ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have access to healthy, local food. 

“As families across the Commonwealth continue to adjust to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we support the Commonwealth’s food supply chain and increase access to fresh, local food,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to build on the success of this grant program, which is making critical investments that strengthen our local food system and ensuring its resilience to future challenges.”

“These grants will help Massachusetts families, especially those in underserved communities, access the nutritious food produced by the Commonwealth’s local food system more easily,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Strengthening food security in the Commonwealth will not only benefit families across the Commonwealth, but will also address the economic impacts of the pandemic on the state’s food supply chain.”

The goal of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program is to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, especially local food. The program also seeks to ensure that farmers, fishermen and other local food producers are better connected to a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate future food supply and distribution disruption.

The third round of the grant program includes 33 awards totaling $5,551,387 to fund investments in technology, equipment, increased capacity, and other assistance to help producers distribute food, especially to food insecure communities. When evaluating the applications, considerations included equity, economic impact and need, sustainability and scalability of efforts, and ability to support producer readiness to accept SNAP and HIP benefits. In the program’s first two rounds, the Administration awarded a total of $6,266,187 to 60 recipients.

 

“While Massachusetts continues to progress in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families throughout the Commonwealth continue to struggle with food insecurity during this challenging time,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides. “The grants awarded through this program represent a significant investment in the Commonwealth’s local food system, providing needed resources to our farmers, fishermen, and local food producers that will lead to economic activity while securing a diverse local food supply that will benefit residents throughout Massachusetts.”

Eligible grantees include entities that are part of the Massachusetts local food system including production, processing and distribution, the emergency food distribution network, Buy Local, community and food organizations, school meal programming, urban farms and community gardens, non-profits, and organizations that provide business planning, technical assistance and information technology services. The Request for Responses for project proposals closed on September 15, 2020. Applications submitted before the proposal deadline will continue to be evaluated for future rounds of funding.

“The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Command Center Food Security Task Force has been working to address increased food insecurity for families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, building on and strengthening the infrastructure in place, and leveraging existing nutrition resources like SNAP, WIC, and the new P-EBT,” said COVID-19 Response Command Center Director and Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “These grants further strengthen the food system in Massachusetts, increasing access across the Commonwealth to support residents.”​

The Commonwealth’s Food Security Task Force’s work is focused on ensuring that food insecurity and food supply needs are addressed during the COVID-19 public health emergency and into the long-term, including setting up more than 1,500 grab and go meal sites at schools across the Commonwealth, investing $5 million in the Healthy Incentives Program to bring on new retailers, launching the SNAP Online Purchasing Program to allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy groceries online from Walmart and Amazon, with over $9 million in transactions to date, issuing emergency SNAP benefits to more than 240,000 households to bring all SNAP recipients to their maximum benefit amount, bringing more than $210 million of federal dollars into the state, and leveraging federal flexibilities for SNAP and WIC to make it easier for households to get benefits. WIC flexibilities will continue through the end of the calendar year.

The Administration also announced approval for September Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT, benefits, to help cover the cost of missed school meals from the month of September due to delayed school opening or remote learning for over 470,000 students and their families. Benefits will start being available September 30, 2020 for an estimated total amount of over $40 million of federal dollars. P-EBT benefits supplement the free meals. Additionally, the majority of Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants will see an increase in their benefits starting October 1, 2020 due to the annual cost of living adjustment. The maximum monthly SNAP benefits will be increasing 5% to reflect the recent increase in food prices, making these maximum benefits the highest they have been in the history of the program. This will also increase the amount of emergency SNAP benefits that households have been receiving monthly since March. 

This grant program implements the recommendations of the Food Security Task Force, which was convened by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center in response to increased demands for food assistance. The task force is composed of a broad group of public and private members charged with ensuring food insecurity and food supply needs are addressed during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“This pandemic has shown the gaps in the food chain and these grants will help to close that gap,” said Senator Anne M. Gobi, Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I am thankful to all the grant recipients for doing their part towards a more sustainable food security future.”

“There has never been a more important time to support families struggling with food insecurity,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for striving to direct Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program funding toward the areas that can help the most people have access to healthy food in their community, including many important projects on the South Coast.”

“Elliot Farm has become a critical link to providing fresh vegetables to our region,” said Representative Norman Orrall. “I am very excited to see their grant award for food security infrastructure become a reality.”

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for recognizing the ongoing need and challenges so many face regarding food insecurity - especially during the pandemic. I cannot stress enough the incredible value of this program, and the countless individuals and families who will benefit from it,” said Representative Kimberly Ferguson. “Special thanks and congratulations to Lilac Hedge Farm for their ongoing hard work, commitment, and innovation within our community. They are true role models.”

The Food Insecurity Infrastructure Grant Program was announced in May 2020 as part of a $56 million investment by the Baker-Polito Administration to combat urgent food insecurity for some Massachusetts families and individuals as a result of COVID-19. The Administration also announced a $5 million increase for the Healthy Incentives Program to meet increased demand for local produce and to increase access points that process SNAP and HIP benefits, $12 million for the provision of 25,000 family food boxes per week through a regional food supply system, and $3 million in funding as an immediate relief valve to food banks.

In August, the Baker-Polito Administration launched the MassGrown Exchange, an online platform designed to facilitate business-to-business connections within the local food system for products and services. Developed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), in collaboration with the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), this platform was established to both address COVID-19 disruptions to the local food supply and to serve as a helpful tool and resource for Massachusetts growers and producers in accessing markets beyond the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.

The awardees for the third round of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program include:

 

Applicant Name

Location

Project Description

Funding

Four Town Farm

Seekonk

Four Town Farm will install a ground level storage area comprised of 4 new shipping containers. The containers will be used to store excess packaging and essential farm supplies to extend the sales of produce through the winter months.

$43,100

Elliot Farm LLC

Lakeville

Elliot Farm will construct a new three level facility with additional food storage capacity, a packing and processing area, wash stations, and a retail area. Elliot Farm partners with Farm & Community Collaborative to improve access to local farm fresh produce for the Gateway Cities of Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton.

$500,000

Apex Orchards, Inc.

Shelburne

Apex Orchards will purchase a new delivery vehicle and a packing line to increase efficiency and provide better access to local fresh fruit.

$71,400

Signature Oyster Farm

Edgartown

Signature Oyster Farm will be starting a scallop farm to increase the local availability of this seafood.

$66,000

Lexington School Lunch Program

Lexington

Lexington School Lunch Program will purchase a refrigerated van to assist with the transportation of food products and meals within the district. They will also purchase hot and cold mobile transporting equipment as well as a new serving line.

$209,820

Dartmouth Public Schools

Dartmouth

Dartmouth Public Schools will purchase machinery to better seal and package food for transport as well as refrigeration, heating capacity, and insulated boxes to deliver to classrooms or make available to send home to students.

$65,307

New Bedford Public School District

New Bedford

New Bedford Public School will renovate and redesign the High School Central Kitchen serving areas. This will include transforming the serving areas into a grab and go service area as well as allow the Food Services Department to provide food to 30 sites in the district.

$484,579

New Bedford Public School District

New Bedford

New Bedford Public School will renovate and increase storage and refrigeration capacity as well as purchase packing equipment for the High School Central Kitchen. This renovation will allow the Food Services Department to provide food to 30 sites in the district.

$485,008

New Bedford Public School District

New Bedford

New Bedford Public School will purchase kitchen equipment as well as install a fourth serving pod in the High School Central Kitchen. This will allow the Food Services Department to provide 30 sites in the district.

$450,753

Coastline Elderly Services

New Bedford

Coastline Elderly Services will purchase and install refrigeration units to allow for the procurement, storage, and distribution of additional perishable foods, produce, and dairy products. Coastline Elderly Services provides meals to seniors in need.

$9,775

Lilac Hedge Farm

Holden

Lilac Hedge Farm will construct a packing barn as well as the installation of a walk-in cooler, and ice machines to better deliver products at a safe temperature.

$456,575

Foxborough Schools' Food Service

Foxborough

Foxborough Schools' Food Service will purchase an online ordering system as well as storage and cooking equipment to better expand their program and feed those in their community.

$63,827

Lyonsville Farm

Charlemont

Lyonsville Farm will purchase a new van that will allow for the increase in delivery capabilities to the Greenfield Farmers' Market.

$53,212

Mapleline Farm, LLC

Hadley

Mapleline Farm will purchase a refrigerated delivery truck to be able to better deliver their products throughout Massachusetts.

$115,991

North Adams Public Schools-Food Services

North Adams

North Adams Public Schools Food Services Department will purchase a new van to continue the operation of grab and go meal sites as well as home delivery meal sites for students in need in the community.

$27,000

Hockomock Area YMCA

North Attleborough

Hockomock Area YMCA will purchase three modular food centers as well as retrofit a farm barn as a series of Healthy Food Access Centers. These Healthy Food Access Centers will effectively and efficiently meet the growing needs of the communities they serve, including helping to address access/distribution, short-term storing, and sourcing issues.

$392,563

Stillman's at the Turkey Farm Inc

Hardwick

Stillman's at the Turkey Farm will expand and update their poultry and meat processing facility. This project will increase meat processing capacity in Massachusetts.

$313,048

Mycoterra Farm

South Deerfield

Mycoterra Farm will purchase refrigeration, storage, and transportation equipment as well as develop a commercial kitchen to expand food storage capacity for a variety of crops as well as increase capacity for winter storage. Mycoterra farms serves adult day care and housing facilities and low-income residents and will be able to deliver food to those in need.

$447,563

Bree-Z-Knoll Farm, LLC

Leyden

Bree-Z-Knoll Farm will install a milk and dairy processing facility, which will include dry good storage and refrigeration as well as a farm store to be able to sell their products. They will also purchase a refrigerated truck to be able to make deliveries throughout Massachusetts.

$500,000

Hickory Hill Farm

Worthington

Hickory Hill Farm will construct a food grade kitchen facility to enable them to better package their products for distribution.

$21,000

Community Action Pioneer Valley

Greenfield

Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) is the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Franklin and Hampshire Counties. They run the Center for Self-Reliance food pantry, which serves residents in Franklin County. CAPV will purchase a refrigerated truck to expand their ability to offer food delivery services, a refrigerated display, and develop an online system to allow for curbside pick-up.

$65,606

We Grow Microgreens, LLC

Boston

We Grow Microgreens is an urban farm in Boston that serves mainly residents in Roslindale, Hyde Park, and Mattapan. They will purchase shade curtains for the workroom and growing area, delivery van, and raised bed with tools and a water line to better grow vegetables.

$171,469

Braintree Public Schools

Braintree

Braintree Public Schools will purchase vending merchandise kiosks for schools to increase the accessibility of meal distribution within each school. Additionally, they will purchase a software to help provide choices for parents and students.

$42,614

Mapleline Farm

Hadley

Mapleline Farm will upgrade their milk processing equipment to be able to better fill containers in a safer manner and expand into new markets.

$163,822

Mills River Cranberry Co.

Barnstable

Mills River Cranberry will purchase a new tractor to be able to grow, harvest, and deliver cranberries to market safely.

$41,500

Marshfield Farmers' Market

Marshfield

Marshfield Farmers Market will expand virtual components of the farmers market by allowing for ordering, pickup, and local food distribution.

$891

Hagers Farm Market LLC

Shelburne

Hagers Farm Market will purchase and install two cooler/freezer units as well as purchase a refrigerated truck to be able to deliver their products in a safer and more effective manner as well as expand into the winter months.

$109,547

Monk's Cove Sea Farm

Bourne

Monk's Cove Sea Farm will purchase a boat to be able to deliver product from the farm to the dock to serve as a mobile, open-air farm stand. They will also purchase a refrigerated concession trailer to begin to participate in local farmers markets.

$63,935

Boston Medical Center Corporation

Boston

Boston Medical Center will purchase two delivery vans to support the delivery of emergency food to vulnerable patients.

$48,550

Grace Hill Farm

Cummington

Grace Hill Farm will construct a walk-in cooler for cold storage of fresh cheeses and bottled milk. This will enable them to meet the increased demand for fresh cheeses and milk.

$20,000

Hartley-Rhodes, Inc

Rochester

Hartley-Rhodes will purchase a utility vehicle, trailer, and forklift attachment to be able to continue to harvest cranberries to meet demand as well as allow for proper social distancing for employees.

$21,664

Round Island Shellfish

Fairhaven

Round Island Shellfish will purchase an ice machine and insulated storage bin to produce ice on site to be able to store and transport oysters to market.

$6,965

Stratford St United Church - Rose's Bounty Food Pantry

Boston

Stratford Street United Church's Rose's Bounty food pantry will convert a small room into a cool storage location to better be able to store and distribute food to  residents in need in the Boston area.

$18,300