One of the most exciting projects to unfold on the West Side (ever), has just received $75K in funding from Wegman’s. The significant financial boost will go a long way towards helping Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) to establish its Farmhouse Community Food Training & Resource Center. By allocating the money, Wegman’s is helping MAP to grow affordable, local, organic produce, for an underserved community. Wegman’s gift goes a long way towards establishing a healthy local food system that is accessible by everyone.
Once open, the Farmhouse Community Food Training & Resource Center will provide/offer:
- Indoor and outdoor training space
- Resource library
- Volunteer opportunities to Buffalo residents, schools, community gardeners and organizations
- Food and agriculture-based education, resources
- Improved cold storage and tool storage space
- Offices
- Provide food and nutrition-related information
- Resources and training to 15,000 people annually
- Teaching kitchen for cooking classes, nutrition education and cooperative food prep clubs
- Meeting and training space for partners working on local food systems development
- Opportunities for greater community involvement in food-based research and advocacy
- Home base for MAP’s innovative Growing Green Program
“We are happy to be part of this great project for the community. MAP has been doing great work for years, and we’re confident that the new Farmhouse will serve as teaching tool for not just the neighborhood, but the entire region.” said Michele Mehaffy, Buffalo consumer affairs manager at Wegmans.
Since its inception MAP has see impressive results in countless healthy-food related endeavors. More than anything else, the organization’s role in growing the minds of its young workers is tantamount. Over the last seven years, 95% of MAP’s high school seniors graduated and went on to college, with many of them being the first in their family to achieve such a distinction.
“Wegman’s has longstanding commitment to sourcing locally grown produce in their own stores, as well as supporting community organizations like MAP. This is a natural partnership and we are very grateful for Wegman’s generosity as we enter the final phase of this capital campaign.” said Diane Picard, Executive Director at MAP.
Among other achievements, MAP has helped to establish the Buffalo-Erie County Food Policy Council and crucial Urban Agricultural Zoning. The new Farmhouse Community Food Training & Resource Center is a critical next step in establishing MAP as a key player in the realm of sustainable and healthy living (for all) in Buffalo.
MAP’s urban farm is located at 389 Massachusetts Avenue. For more information about MAP or the new Center, visit www.mass-ave.org.
