Massachusetts invests in the Southcoast’s local food economy

In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the local food economy has been able to adapt to meet the needs of customers and farmers thanks in part to funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, led by Representative Bill Straus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how broken the industrial food system is, and how important small and mid-sized local farmers are to a strong food economy. In response to the pandemic, Coastal Foodshed was able to shift its resources to open a Virtual Farmers Market, providing local farmers with a place to continue selling their foods, and local customers with a
place to continue purchasing locally-grown foods.

The Virtual Market gives customers the ability to shop locally grown and made foods through a virtual marketplace without having to go out to the farmers market or other physical location.

Customers can choose to have their order delivered directly to their house, or can schedule a pickup.

“Transportation, aggregation, ordering and delivery logistics are often invisible pieces of the food supply chain, but are imperative to its efficiency and ability to function. COVID has illustrated how fragile global supply chains are, so we are happy to support local food supply chains which also ensure that those most in need are able to access nutritious foods,” said
Representative Straus.

Continued funding from the Commonwealth allows Coastal Foodshed to continue meeting the needs of customers living in and around New Bedford. For many, accessing fresh and locally grown food was already a challenge prior to the COVID pandemic. Through Coastal Foodshed’s Mobile Farm Stand Program and new Virtual Farmers Market, the organization is able to continue bringing local food directly to those customers who cannot easily access it otherwise – and who have been hardest hit by this pandemic.

“We are so thankful to Representative Straus for securing this funding for Coastal Foodshed,” said Stephanie Perks, Executive Director. “It has been instrumental in making sure Southcoast residents still have access to fresh, locally-grown foods – and that farmers are also able to stay connected with their customers through such an uncertain time.”

The outdoor New Bedford Farmers Markets are open through October 31st at Brooklawn Park, Downtown Custom House Square, and Clasky Common Park. The Mobile Farm Stand operates on Fridays outside of Dough Company Café and Eatery on Fridays 10-2pm until October 31st
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Coastal Foodshed staff are also busy planning for the Winter Indoor Farmers Market to ensure customers continue to have access to local foods year-round. Across all of its programs, Coastal Foodshed accepts SNAP and WIC benefits and can redeem HIP benefits for participating customers.

Coastal Foodshed’s mission is to strengthen the local food economy by making it easier for growers to sell, and consumers to buy, healthy, affordable, local foods. Coastal Foodshed works to increase public awareness and knowledge of health, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, and to improve access. To learn more about Coastal Foodshed and all of the different ways you can shop local, you can visit their website at coastalfoodshed.org, or find them on social media at @coastalfoodshed.