Delivering Jobs, Healthy Food Access & Community Investment Across Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP) is a quiet but powerful example of effective public policy. By supporting independent grocery stores, food hubs, and farm-to-table operations, MFTP strengthens our regional food economy while advancing the Commonwealth’s goals for health equity, small business growth, and economic development, particularly in Gateway Cities and rural communities.
Public Investment, Tangible Results
- Vicente’s Supermarket, a Cape Verdean-owned grocery store in New Bedford, opened its third location in 2024 with MFTP support, creating 60 new jobs, exceeding its original goal of 49.
- Coastal Food Shed, a New Bedford-based food hub, used MFTP-backed cold storage to move $841,669 in local food since July 2024, supporting 65 farms and serving 1,600 families weekly.
- Both places accept SNAP and WIC, removing barriers to nutritious food for low-income households.
These projects are strong examples of how modest public investment can unlock scalable, community-led solutions.
On the Ground: Legislative Visits
In New Bedford, state legislators and staff toured Vicente’s with the Barbosa family and visited Coastal Food Shed to see the new cold storage in action. Attendees included:
- Rep. Mark Sylvia
- Rep. Christopher Hendricks
- Staff from Rep. Antonio Cabral’s office
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Vicente’s New Bedford Mangos
In Springfield, state legislators visited two MFTP-funded businesses:
- Africana Villa, a grocery that offers West African staples and produce for sale
- Farm Store 99 by Agric Organics, a new grocery store on the ground floor of a large apartment complex bringing farm fresh organic produce to the community. Attendees included:
- Rep. Carlos Gonzalez
- Jennifer Pickering (District Director, Sen. Jake Oliveira)
- Cherie Spinks (Legislative Aide, Rep. Angelo Puppolo)
- Candice Healy (District Legislative Aide, Rep. Brian Ashe)
- Eliana Gutierrez (Staff, Rep. Gonzalez)
These visits underscore the program’s support and impact across many policy goals.
MFTP is a Public-Private Partnership
MFTP brings together:
- State agencies (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources) and local governments provide the policy and funding
- Community-based lenders (LEAF and the Franklin County CDC) provide capital
- Small business owners and farmers serve community needs
- Residents access healthy, affordable food
This civic infrastructure turns commitment to our communities into lasting results.
Why It Matters for Policymakers
MFTP demonstrates how:
- Public investment brings business to underserved communities
- State-local-nonprofit collaboration gets results
- Food access, entrepreneurship, and job creation build off of each other
Next Steps
As the Legislature considers future investments in food security, small business recovery, and local agriculture, the Massachusetts Food Trust Program offers a tested model to meet these goals efficiently and equitably.
LEAF and FCCDC are certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and proud MFTP lenders. Partners include: The Food Trust, MA Department of Agricultural Resources, and community-based entrepreneurs statewide.
