One of my personal favorite projects in Buffalo has received an additional $200K towards its $2 million, to construct an 11,000 sq.’ farmhouse on the city’s West Side. Just the other day I was talking about the importance of the Massachusetts Avenue Project’s (MAP) endeavor, and the long-lasting effects that it will have on the health, wellness and vitality of the city. Now the Rich Family has stepped up with a significant monetary donation that will help MAP to establish itself as a Farmhouse Community Food Training & Resource Center, unlike anything that we have seen in this city to date.
The $200K donation, secured by the philanthropic arm of Rich Products Corp, will allow MAP to move one step closer towards building out the farmhouse, which will include an indoor and outdoor training space, a teaching kitchen, a resource library, improved cold storage and tool storage space, and offices.
“We are grateful for this incredibly generous gift from the Rich Family Foundation. Rich Products has been a strong supporter of MAP for many years and this award certainly strengthens our partnership.” said Diane Picard, MAP’s Executive Director.
Rich’s Green Team has been in tune with MAP’s mission since 2010. The relationship was sparked by similar sustainable beliefs. These beliefs led towards corporate volunteer opportunities that revolved around food and agriculture-based efforts as they pertain to schools, community gardeners and neighborhoods designated as ‘food deserts’.
“MAP provides city residents easy access to fresh produce and as a result of their youth training program, students gain advocacy and business skills that last a lifetime,” said Deb Gondek, Director of Sustainability at Rich Products. “It’s a perfect fit for Rich Family Foundation’s newly announced effort to strengthen West Side-based education initiatives so that our neighborhood can be a place where residents of all ages grow, prosper and lead productive and fulfilled lives.”
The new farmhouse will accommodate MAP’s Growing Green Classroom, along with space for cooking classes, nutrition education and cooperative food prep clubs in its commercially licensed teaching kitchen.
For more information about MAP or the new Center, visit www.mass-ave.org.