Launched by Food Tank and the James Beard Foundation, the first annual Good Food Org Guide identifies and celebrates more than five hundred United States-based groups who are cultivating a better food system, including these five from Massachusetts.
Food for Free in Cambridge, MA rescues and redistributes food waste to local food pantries and anti-hunger organizations. They also do direct home deliveries to some clients, and partner with Lindentree Farm to produce their own nutrient-dense food for donation.
The Food Project operates four organic community supported agriculture (CSA) farms across Massachusetts in an effort to build communities for a sustainable food system and to provide youth with leadership opportunities. Their farms grow over 250,000 pounds of produce per year, and they donate about a quarter to hunger relief groups.
Gaining Ground in Concord, MA grows and donates organic produce to those in need. The majority of their produce helps shelters, food pantries, and meal programs within 20 miles of the farm, and the nonprofit seeks to educate volunteers about organics and agriculture.
New England Small Farm Institute
New England Small Farm Institute began in the 1970s as a citizen action group called Women in Agriculture, Food Policy, and Land Use Reform. Headquartered in central Massachusetts, they promote small farms by providing training, information, resources, and advocacy.
Youth Growing Organics in Worcester
Youth Growing Organics in Worcester (YouthGROW), a program facilitated by the Regional Environmental Council of Worcester, employs low-income high school students at an urban agriculture project. The program offers a curriculum in leadership training, job skills, agriculture, and social justice. The teens also make a line of hot sauce called Drop it Like It’s Hot Sauce.
