Photo courtesy of Roots Rising
Pittsfield, MA – MassDevelopment has awarded a $7,500 grant to Roots Rising for the development of its new urban youth farm in Pittsfield, with funds supporting community engagement, land assessment, farm research, and business planning purposes.
The urban farm’s mission will focus on youth development and food justice; providing meaningful work for disadvantaged teens; addressing food insecurity within Pittsfield, including by selling food grown at the farm at Roots Rising farmers markets at affordable prices; and creating a green hub for the community. The funds are awarded through MassDevelopment’s special Commonwealth Places COVID-19 Response Round: Resurgent Places, which was made available specifically to assist local economic recovery efforts as community partners prepare public spaces and commercial districts to serve residents and visitors.
“This project is all about growth: cultivating healthy and affordable food for those experiencing food insecurity, empowering young people with the skills they need to live positive and fulfilling lives, and creating a space for the community to come together,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “MassDevelopment is excited to support Roots Rising as it strives to turn its vision of an urban youth farm into a reality for the City of Pittsfield.”
