Agenda Text
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Requesting acceptance of a $39,946 MA Department of Agriculture Grant to support and expand the Health and Human Services Department's Shape Up Somerville Food Production/Distribution Triangle.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
The Health & Human Services Department of the City of Somerville Shape Up Somerville program has been awarded an Urban Agriculture Grant in the amount of $39,946.00 from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
These funds will be used to purchase a used van/truck to ensure that the existing Food Production/Distribution Triangle does not succumb to transportation issues; 2) Expand the Triangle into a Network by adding 10 micro farms (75-150 sq. ft.) to production and five subsidized markets to distribution; 3) Train youth (including many who helped create the production side of the Triangle) to assist in the distribution part of the Network; 4) Increase visibility and sales for all subsidized markets by painting the van to be a marketing focal point; 5) Develop a scalable revenue stream to support the subsidized Mobile Markets by piloting a Chefs’ Market in which local chefs pay market rates to receive Somerville-grown produce along with positive publicity from Network partners.
My staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Joseph A. Curtatone
Mayor