BOSTON— In a significant step toward addressing food insecurity in Massachusetts, MassHousing has awarded $150,000 in grants to support healthy food initiatives at 16 agency-financed rental housing communities across the state. The funding aims to improve access to nutritious food for more than 4,000 residents through community gardens, mobile farmers markets, meal delivery programs, and nutrition education.

The grants, part of MassHousing’s Food and Nutrition Grant Program, will be used to create or expand projects such as on-site gardens—including raised beds for seniors and people with disabilities—mobile markets that bring fresh produce directly to residents, and partnerships that offer food vouchers and cooking classes.

“There is a clear and growing need to address food insecurity in the Commonwealth,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “The financial and health impacts of food insecurity affect the housing stability of residents of multi-family communities. This program focuses on the intersection between housing stability and food security.”

The program has partnered with more than 40 local organizations, including farms, agricultural nonprofits, and community meal programs. In addition to direct food access, the initiatives offer residents opportunities to participate in nutrition workshops, youth programs, and community harvest events.

This effort comes as food insecurity continues to impact a large portion of Massachusetts residents. According to the Greater Boston Food Bank’s Fourth Annual Statewide Report, approximately 34% of households in the state report experiencing food insecurity.

Grants of up to $10,000 per site were made available to MassHousing-financed properties in 2024 and 2025. Participating property management companies include WinnCompanies, Schochet Companies, Peabody Properties, The Community Builders, Kent Street Elderly LP, Madison Park Development Corporation, Related Management, Beacon Communities, and Housing Management Resources.

In July, MassHousing convened a symposium bringing together stakeholders from across the housing and food sectors. Attendees included representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, health care organizations, housing finance agencies, food systems experts, and developers, all focused on advancing collaboration between affordable housing and food access efforts.

The Food and Nutrition Grant Program reflects a growing recognition of the role housing providers can play in addressing broader public health and equity issues. With this investment, MassHousing is helping to create healthier, more resilient communities across Massachusetts.

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