MILL CITY GROWS TO BENEFIT FROM PROJECT BREAD’S “MOVING THE NEEDLE” COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

MILL CITY GROWS TO BENEFIT FROM PROJECT BREAD’S “MOVING THE NEEDLE” COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

MILL CITY GROWS TO BENEFIT FROM PROJECT BREAD’S “MOVING THE NEEDLE” COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The two-year grant program is designed to support local community projects in Malden, New Bedford, Lynn, Lowell, Holyoke, and Worcester

[LOWELL, MA] – Mill City Grows has been awarded the first of two annual installments of $30,000 to support its commitment to eradicating hunger in Massachusetts. The “Moving the Needle” community investment program launched by Project Bread is designed for organizations addressing food insecurity with sustainable and systemic change. This initiative focuses on three key priority areas: Policy and Advocacy, Innovation, and Education to Expand the Reach of Federal Nutrition Programs.

Mill City Grows (MCG) is a food justice and urban agriculture organization based in Lowell, MA. MCG serves the Lowell community through urban farms, community and school gardens, mobile markets and a CSA program, and community education and advocacy.  The Moving the Needle grant will provide funding for the burgeoning Community Food Partnership of Lowell (CFP), a local food policy council. It will support the group in increasing membership and visibility; hosting community forums for food advocacy; establishing a community kitchen; and breaking down barriers to accessing food benefits by doubling the number of registered SNAP Outreach Partners in Lowell.

“This funding will support the long-term sustainability of the Community Food Partnership. This group, led by diverse community members, is ensuring that Lowell residents are an integral part of fighting hunger and creating community-based solutions in our food system,” said Enrique Vargas, Associate Director of Mill City Grows.

Project Bread is the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts. The nonprofit engages residents, elected officials, and businesses to act against food insecurity so everyone in the Commonwealth has reliable access to food. The “Moving the Needle ” community investment strives to leverage people’s voices and experiences, local political will and efforts to fight food insecurity in their communities, like Mill City Grows. This is the second round of multi-year grants that Project Bread has distributed since 2021. Project Bread has also allocated the “Pathways to Change” community investment program this fall, awarding an additional $29,700 to 5 organizations in Fall River, Lawrence, and Chelsea to develop spaces for community conversations and engagement around food access.

“Investing in local communities is an essential way to make a lasting impact.” says Adriana Mendes-Sheldon, Director of Community Partnerships at Project Bread. “We believe in the power of community-led solutions. Our local partners and stakeholders are experts in addressing challenges and meeting their community’s unique needs. I’m excited to witness the innovative and transformative projects that arise from this opportunity and to see the progress it creates in the fight against food insecurity.”

The “Moving the Needle” competitive community investment grant program received multiple applications from the communities of Malden, New Bedford, Lynn, Lowell, Holyoke and Worcester. Project Bread has issued the Moving the Needle awards to four nonprofits. All organizations will join Project Bread’s Community of Practice, where organizations and community leaders gather to share expertise and knowledge to support and amplify each other’s strengths, knowledge and resources.

People experiencing food insecurity should call into Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential assistance to connect with food resources, including SNAP benefits, in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org/get-help.

 

About Mill City Grows
Mill City Grows fosters food justice by improving positive health outcomes, economic independence and environmental sustainability in Lowell, MA, through increased access to land, locally grown food, and education. We envision that Lowell will be known for its innovative approach to food production and food justice where residents are engaged actors in creating a food secure community that promotes the ability to grow, consume, and distribute healthy, locally produced food on land that is seen as a vital resource for the community and is protected for food production. For more information, visit www.millcitygrows.org.

 

About Project Bread

Project Bread, the leading statewide food security nonprofit, connects people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food, while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.

 

Project Bread Media Contact:
Sarah Zhitnik
PH: 781-999-0604
sarah@teakmedia.com

MILL CITY GROWS ANNOUNCES OPEN REGISTRATION FOR THEIR 2023-2024 WINTER CSA VEGGIE FARM SHARE SEASON

MILL CITY GROWS ANNOUNCES OPEN REGISTRATION FOR THEIR 2023-2024 WINTER CSA VEGGIE FARM SHARE SEASON

GET FRESH, SEASONAL, LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE DELIVERED TO YOUR LOWELL HOME OR OFFICE THROUGH MAY 2024!

[LOWELL, MA] – Lowell-based food justice non-profit Mill City Grows (MCG) has launched their 2023-2024 Winter CSA Farm Share season, which runs from October 26, 2023 – May 24, 2024. MCG’s Farm Share Veggie Box Program provides 32 weeks – distributed in 16 bi-weekly deliveries – of fresh, locally grown produce to persons living and/or working in Lowell. 

MCG’s Farm Share program was designed to provide produce, free of charge, to low-income households and those with chronic illness. CSA participation from paying customers allows Mill City Grows to sustain and grow their ability to provide farm shares to Lowell residents who are most often left out of the food system and could benefit greatly from eating more fresh produce. 

“By purchasing a Mill City Grows CSA Farm Share, you directly support MCG’s mission to provide fresh, local, sustainable produce to our neighbors in Lowell,” said Courtney McSparron, Mill City Grows director of education. “This strengthens community wellness and also helps urban farms to thrive.”

All the delicious produce included in each CSA Farm Share is grown by Mill City Grows in Lowell, MA, or is sourced locally from MCG’s partner farmers. In order to properly plan for the season, CSA participants must make a one-time payment in full for all 16 Farm Shares before deliveries can be made or before picking up their Farm Share in person. A one-time fee of $85 will be charged for the delivery option. An option to pick up Farm Shares in person is available for those living outside of Lowell or for those wishing to pick up their produce directly from Mill City Grows. Cost details are below:

Small Farm Share (feeds 2-3 people): $420 for 16 deliveries / pickups
Large Farm Share (feeds 4-6 people): $835 for 16 deliveries / pickups

Mill City Grows accepts cash or check for CSA payment, as well as credit and debit cards through our secure online payment portal. CSA participants can pick up their Farm Share on Thursdays (4pm-6pm) and Fridays (12pm-2pm) at Mill City Grows, 19 Hall Street, in Lowell. Pickup times and days may change slightly during the holiday season. 

For more information and to sign up for a Mill City Grows Winter CSA Farm Share, please visit MillCityGrows.org or go to https://tinyurl.com/MCGVeggies. For any questions, please contact James Tierney, Mill City Grows CSA Manager, at James@millcitygrows.org or call 978-455-2620.

About Mill City Grows

For the past 10 years, Mill City Grows (MCG) has worked towards food justice in Lowell, Massachusetts, using the following strategies and programs: education in and out of schools, supporting community leadership through community gardens, increasing urban agriculture through urban farming, implementing a mobile market, and empowering people to produce their own food. MCG infuses food production spaces with food education to support their belief that a community that understands how to grow, access, and prepare healthy food will have better quality of life and deeper investment in their local environment. Visit MillCityGrows.org to learn more, and follow MCG on Facebook and Instagram.

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Contact:
Jessica Moore-Wilson, Executive Director
Jessica@millcitygrows.org
978-455-2620
MillCityGrows.org

MILL CITY GROWS WELCOMES THE PUBLIC TO A “HARVEST DAY AT THE FARM” CELEBRATION ON THEIR BIG URBAN FARM IN LOWELL

MILL CITY GROWS WELCOMES THE PUBLIC TO A “HARVEST DAY AT THE FARM” CELEBRATION ON THEIR BIG URBAN FARM IN LOWELL

MILL CITY GROWS HOSTS FIRST-EVER “HARVEST DAY AT THE FARM” FAMILY CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

The organization’s Big Urban Farm in Lowell opens to the general public for the first time with family-friendly activities, farm tours, a fall plant sale, and more!

[LOWELL, MA]Lowell-based food justice non-profit Mill City Grows (MCG) welcomes the general public to their Big Urban Farm in Lowell’s Pawtucketville neighborhood on the first day of fall in New England! All are invited to celebrate the season at a “Harvest Day at the Farm” on Saturday, September 23, from 1-4pm, at 1001 Pawtucket Boulevard. 

This free, family-friendly event includes farm tours, opportunities to meet local growers, kids games and activities, wildlife demonstrations, local food, touch-a-tractor, PLUS a Fall Plant Sale presented by Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, the event’s Banner Sponsor. The Mill City Grows Mobile Market will also be on site selling fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies, most of which are grown and harvested at MCG’s Big Urban Farm. “Harvest Day at the Farm” takes place rain or shine, and is free and open to the public. Details are available at MillCityGrows.org, at Facebook.com/millcitygrows, or by calling 978-455-2620.

“We can’t wait to welcome our neighbors to enjoy a day at the farm with us and celebrate nature, the harvest, and food!” said Jessica Wilson, Mill City Grows Executive Director. “There will be so much for people to experience and discover. Thousands of pounds of food is grown here every year and then given right back to the residents of Lowell. This first-ever event is a great opportunity to bring community members to the space to see where and how their fresh food is grown.”

In addition to their Big Urban Farm, Mill City Grows’ Food Access Program provides land, education, and opportunities for Lowell residents to grow fresh food at more than 27 School and Community Gardens across Lowell. Complete details on MCG’s Urban Farm, Community Gardens, and School Gardens Programs can be found at MillCityGrows.org. 

MCG’s “Harvest Day at the Farm” is made possible by the generous support of Mill City Grows 2023 Annual Event Sponsors: Bank of America, Nancy L. and Richard K. Donahue Charitable Foundation, Cummings Foundation, Plenus Group, Inc., Symmetri, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Princeton Properties, Verizon, Enterprise Bank, Tufts Medicine/Lowell General Hospital, Eastern Bank, Workers Credit Union. 

Additional event sponsors include: UKG, Waste Management, Greater Lowell Health Alliance, Griffin Greenhouse Supply, Nobis Group, Bootstrap Compost, Align Credit Union, Mahoney Oil Company, Gallagher & Cavanaugh LLP, Market Basket, Aberthaw Construction, KJ’s Caffe, Walmart, Middlesex Community College.

About Mill City Grows

For the past 10 years, Mill City Grows (MCG) has worked towards food justice in Lowell, Massachusetts, using the following strategies and programs: education in and out of schools, supporting community leadership through community gardens, increasing urban agriculture through urban farming, implementing a mobile market, and empowering people to produce their own food. MCG infuses food production spaces with food education to support their belief that a community that understands how to grow, access, and prepare healthy food will have better quality of life and deeper investment in their local environment. Visit MillCityGrows.org to learn more, and follow MCG on Facebook and Instagram.

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Contact:
Jessica Moore-Wilson, Executive Director
Jessica@millcitygrows.org
978-455-2620
MillCityGrows.org

MILL CITY GROWS HOSTS ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE ON SATURDAY, MAY 20 FROM 10AM-2PM

MILL CITY GROWS HOSTS ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE ON SATURDAY, MAY 20 FROM 10AM-2PM

MILL CITY GROWS HOSTS ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE ON SATURDAY, MAY 20, FROM 10AM TO 2PM

Dozens of locally grown plant varieties will be available for sale, including flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruit!

[LOWELL, MA] – Lowell-based non-profit Mill City Grows (MCG) will host its Annual Spring Plant Sale outdoors on Saturday, May 20, from 10am to 2pm, at UMass Lowell’s Rist Urban Agriculture Farm at 91 Pawtucket Street. Free parking is available on site at UMass Lowell’s East Campus Garage. An abundant variety of Lowell-grown seedlings – herbs, vegetables, flowers, and fruit – will be available for purchase at this free, public event. Additionally, guests can purchase fresh, seasonal produce from the Mill City Grows Mobile Market and visit the Bootstrap Compost information table to learn more about composting. Attendees may use cash, debit, and credit, to purchase plants, and SNAP/HIP will be accepted for fruit and vegetable plants. All proceeds from the plant sale will benefit Mill City Grows programs that expand healthy food access and offer educational opportunities for Lowell residents. Event updates are available at MillCityGrows.org, on the Plant Sale Facebook Event, and by calling 978-455-2620. 

MCG’s annual plant sale, as well as the Mobile Market, are both integral parts of Mill City Grows’ Food Access Programs. The 2023 Outdoor Mobile Market season launches on Thursday, April 20, 2023. The full Mobile Market schedule is available at MillCityGrows.org.

All the plants available at the event – including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, melons, squash, kale, broccoli, husk cherries, basil, cilantro, parsley, and pollinator flowers – were seeded and nurtured by Mill City Grows at UMass Lowell’s Rist Urban Agriculture Farm, the location of the plant sale. The 1,800 square foot greenhouse on the farm site was built in 2017 in partnership between UMass Lowell’s Office of Sustainability and Mill City Grows, and operates year-round. 

The Mill City Grows Annual Spring Plant Sale is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of MCG’s 2023 Annual Event Sponsors: The Nancy L. and Richard K. Donahue Charitable Foundation, Plenus Group, Inc., Microdesk, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Princeton Properties, Verizon, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Lowell General Hospital, Eastern Bank, Griffin Greenhouse Supply, Bootstrap Compost, Aberthaw Construction, Mahoney Oil Company, Gallagher & Cavanaugh, LLP, Market Basket, Align Credit Union.

 

About Mill City Grows

For the past 10 years, Mill City Grows (MCG) has worked towards food justice in Lowell, Massachusetts, using the following strategies and programs: education in and out of schools, supporting community leadership through community gardens, increasing urban agriculture through urban farming, implementing a mobile market, and empowering people to produce their own food. MCG infuses food production spaces with food education to support their belief that a community that understands how to grow, access, and prepare healthy food will have better quality of life and deeper investment in their local environment. Visit MillCityGrows.org to learn more, and follow MCG on Facebook and Instagram.

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Contact:
Jessica Moore-Wilson, Executive Director
Jessica@millcitygrows.org
978-455-2620
MillCityGrows.org

MILL CITY GROWS HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL SEED SWAP ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18

MILL CITY GROWS HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL SEED SWAP ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18

MILL CITY GROWS HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY SEED SWAP ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18, FROM 10AM TO 1PM

 

More than 1,000 free seed packets will be available to the public, including flower, herb, fruit, and vegetable seeds!

 

[LOWELL, MA] – Lowell-based non-profit Mill City Grows (MCG) hosts its 8th Annual Seed Swap in person and outdoors on Saturday, March 18, from 10am to 1pm, in the parking lot at MCG’s headquarters at 19 Hall Street, Lowell. The highly anticipated Seed Swap kicks off MCG’s annual events and celebrates the spring growing season by making a variety of seeds available to the community at no cost. Attendees can choose from more than 1,000 seed packets for their home, school, or community gardens. Information about Mill City Grows’ Community Garden Program will be available, as well as MCG’s CSA Farm Share Program, Mobile Markets, and Farm to Table Cooking Classes. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to Mill City Grows’ ROOT Kitchen, also at 19 Hall Street. Event organizers respectfully request that attendees wear masks while at the Seed Swap.  

Mill City Grows is grateful to the following seed organizations and businesses who have generously donated seeds for distribution to the community (as of March 1): American Meadows, Burpee Gardens, Fruition Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Peaceful Valley, Renee’s Garden.

The Annual Seed Swap is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of Mill City Grows’ 2023 Annual Event Sponsors (as of March 1): The Nancy L. and Richard K. Donahue Charitable Foundation, Plenus Group, Inc., Microdesk, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Princeton Properties, Verizon, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Griffin Greenhouse Supply, Bootstrap Compost, Aberthaw Construction, Mahoney Oil Company, Gallagher & Cavanaugh, LLP. 

Limited handicapped parking is available at 19 Hall Street. Additional parking is available in metered spots on Suffolk Street. For more information, please contact Chaya Sophon at Chaya@millcitygrows.org or call 978-455-2620. Event updates will be posted on the 2023 Seed Swap Facebook Event

 

About Mill City Grows

For the past 10 years, Mill City Grows (MCG) has worked towards food justice in Lowell, Massachusetts, using the following strategies and programs: education in and out of schools, supporting community leadership through community gardens, increasing urban agriculture through urban farming, implementing a mobile market, and empowering people to produce their own food. MCG infuses food production spaces with food education to support their belief that a community that understands how to grow, access, and prepare healthy food will have better quality of life and deeper investment in their local environment. Visit MillCityGrows.org to learn more, and follow MCG on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Contact:
Jessica Moore-Wilson, Executive Director
Jessica@millcitygrows.org
978-455-2620
MillCityGrows.org

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