Marion Institute news

Over the past two years, the Southcoast Food Policy Council helped turn community advocacy into legislative wins that strengthened food access, supported local farms, and advanced Massachusetts' food system.

As we approach the end of our fiscal year on September 30, we’re reflecting on all we’ve accomplished together. Your support helps the Marion Institute reconnect food and community, strengthen our regional food system, and create lasting change across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Massachusetts farmers can begin preparing now for HIP enrollment. This guide walks you through SNAP authorization, EBT setup, and the steps to becoming a Healthy Incentives Program vendor.

A bumper crop of cucumbers became an opportunity to strengthen our local food system. Through a new partnership with Under the Sun Farm, Fields to Families rescued more than 370 pounds of fresh cucumbers and delivered them—alongside locally harvested squash, zucchini, and raspberries—to Angels Anonymous in Fall River, helping provide fresh, nutritious food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

July brought exciting momentum across the Marion Institute. From a $25,000 matching challenge for Frogfoot Farm to new opportunities to join our team, see how our community is growing food, expanding access, fostering learning, and strengthening connections across Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Marion Institute has been awarded a $135,000 state grant to install a solar array at Frogfoot Farm, providing reliable renewable energy that will reduce operating costs and strengthen the farm's ability to grow and distribute fresh produce to local food pantries throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Marion Institute's Southcoast Food Policy Council is urging Massachusetts residents to take action in support of H.4854, the Massachusetts Farm Bill. Contact House leadership today to help protect farmland, strengthen local agriculture, improve food security, and make the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) permanent before the legislative session ends.

June brought meaningful progress across the Marion Institute’s programs. See how our volunteers, partners, and supporters are helping grow food, expand access, foster learning, and strengthen connections throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

From growing and harvesting fresh food to expanding school garden education and advancing regional food system advocacy, the Marion Institute is building momentum across Southeastern Massachusetts. This month, we’re celebrating progress, partnerships, and the community making it all possible.