Massachusetts Food Ventures Program 2026

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP), managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), is a state-funded initiative under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The program is designed to enhance access to healthy, affordable food options and expand economic opportunities in low- to moderate-income communities across Massachusetts. It aligns with the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and supports local food enterprises that source Massachusetts-grown, harvested, or caught food. Through collaborations between local agricultural enterprises and public or private entities, the MFVP aims to strengthen the food system's infrastructure and promote equitable food access. The MFVP offers competitive reimbursement grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. A 50 percent cash match of the total project cost is required, with matching funds needing to be secured before disbursement. The funds are intended strictly for project costs, excluding rent, operations, maintenance, or previously completed work. Eligible expenditures include infrastructure development for food processing, commissaries, food co-ops, food hubs, and innovative mobile markets, among others. Projects must prioritize service to low- to moderate-income populations and must accept SNAP benefits where applicable. First-time applicants and those who have not received prior MDAR funding are given preference, while returning applicants must demonstrate the outcomes of previous funding. Applicants eligible for the grant include Massachusetts municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations based in Massachusetts, and individual Massachusetts residents. All applicants must either own the property for the project or have a lease agreement demonstrating long-term usage rights. Site visits are required prior to final award determinations to verify proposal details. Successful applicants will be bound by a contract that includes quarterly and final reporting requirements, and must complete all project work by June 30, 2026. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on May 28, 2025. They can be submitted either online via COMMBUYS or by mailing a hard copy to MDAR. No email submissions are allowed. The application must include detailed project descriptions, budgets with proof of matching funds, business and marketing plans, and evaluation methods. Additional attachments include resumes, architectural plans, lease agreements, financial documents, and letters of commitment from partners. Construction projects require further documentation, such as architectural designs and permits. Projects will be evaluated based on feasibility, alignment with MFVP goals, job creation, market need, community benefit, sourcing from Massachusetts growers, and readiness to begin. Applicants must also complete or be prepared to complete various standard forms upon selection, such as tax and banking documentation. Environmental justice considerations are encouraged and factored into program tracking, though they do not affect eligibility. For assistance, applicants may contact Rose Arruda at Rose.Arruda@mass.gov or 617-851-3644. Additional resources and instructions are available via the COMMBUYS portal and Mass.gov. Awards are expected to be announced in September 2025, with contracts executed shortly after.