The REC will engage local rural and urban farmers and low- income seniors and families to expand and improve our two standing farmers' markets and mobile farmers market program to achieve the…

The Regional Environmental Council, Inc. (REC) was awarded $622,279.33 under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. The three-year project grant will support REC's efforts to expand and improve its farmers' markets and mobile farmers market program in Massachusetts. Key activities include increasing sales opportunities for local food producers recovering from COVID-19 impacts, supporting underserved communities' access to fresh foods through new mobile market locations, and providing technical assistance and pathways for non-traditional farmers such as youth and immigrants. The FMLFPP aims to strengthen local and regional food systems through competitive grants like this award to REC, which will deliver important services supporting farmers and low-income families in Massachusetts through September 2024.

The REC will engage local rural and urban farmers and low- income seniors and families to expand and improve our two standing farmers' markets and mobile farmers market program to achieve the following goals: respond to and recover from the impacts of the covid-19 on our local food system by increasing opportunities for the sale of local food, supporting producers return to farmers markets, and increasing awareness and use of federal and state food security programs that support the purchase of local food. Increase impact and sustainability of REC's mobile farmers market program through increased mobile market sites. Expand the geographic scope of local food access points by bringing year-round mobile market locations to worcester's south county. Increase customer base of main south and beaver brook markets as mobile market sites through collaborative and culturally responsive outreach and increased product diversity at market. Engage with consumers and producers of local food to develop more efficient, appealing, and accessible markets for the customers we serve. Increase opportunities for non-conventional new farmers (youth, immigrants, refugees, etc.) through sales opportunities, technical support, and employment pathways.