Growing places garden project INC. Will develop and expand a regional food system in north central massachusetts supported by local food promotion program funding

The project focuses on establishing a new regional food processing center known as the local food works regional food center lfwrfc alongside the construction of shareduse kitchen spaces to facilitate the growth of small food businesses. Anticipated outcomes include the creation of 10 new market channels connecting approximately 45 farmers and small food businesses to expanded market access points and the generation of an estimated 753131 in sales through the lfwrfc. Key beneficiaries of this project are farmers processors and consumers within north central massachusetts with a goal of creating 71 food and agriculture jobs maintained or created through the lfwrfc. The projects aims extend beyond immediate sales figures striving to strengthen the local food economy improve access to healthy food options for foodinsecure households and bolster the overall quality of life for stakeholders involved in the regions food system. The lfwrfc will provide a centralized location for product development marketing and distribution while supporting local food businesses in establishing sustainable operations. The projects success relies on collaborative efforts involving a steering committee that includes food systems business and health sector organizations as well as local schools and municipalities all working to promote and expand access to locally produced food within the north central massachusetts region.