Agenda Text
title
Requesting acceptance of a $23,656 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health & Human Services Department to purchase a large outdoor walk-in refrigerator and raised growing beds at ARTFarm.
body
Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
I respectfully request that your Honorable Board accept a grant of $23,656.00 From MDAR to Health and Human Services, under the provisions of MGL Chapter 44, Section 53A. This grant does not require the commitment of new matching funds. Matching funds totaling $5,300.00 have already been appropriated by your Honorable Board. The purpose of this grant is to purchase and install a large, outdoor, walk-in refrigerator and raised beds at ARTFarm.
The cold storage will allow easier access, flexibility and capacity to source more local, affordable produce to be sold weekly at the Somerville Mobile Farmer’s Market. In addition, MDAR funds will be used to build 1,000 square feet of raised beds at ARTFarm - complementing the existing greenhouse on site. The required match is the installation of a concrete pad as well as the plumbing and electrical services to connection and operate the unit. The total value of the match contribution is valued at $5,300. These funds have already been allocated in the HHS ($300) and Arts Council ($5000) approved budget.
My staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Thank your for your consideration of this item.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor