MEFAP funds the MassGrown Initiative

The MassGrown Initiative (MGI) is a program developed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to support the local agriculture industry.

MGI is funded through the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP), which is a line item in the state budget that provides funding to the state’s four food banks to purchase food for their clients.

Through this partnership, GBFB purchases food items like eggs, dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables from 40 local farms. In fiscal 2016, GBFB purchased and distributed 1.4 million pounds of nutrient rich food and fresh produce to more than 140,000 people a month, while also supporting the state’s agriculture industry.

Partnerships like MGI and relationships with local farmers enable GBFB to make progress in our mission to end hunger here by providing healthy food to those who need it most, while also supporting the local economy.