Worcester Organizations Awarded $142K For Food Pantry, Kitchen Upgrades

Two Worcester groups were among 72 farms, fisheries, food banks and community organizations to be awarded nearly $7 million from the state.

By Jessie Castellano, Patch Staff

Sep 9, 2026 1:01 PM EDT

WORCESTER, MA — Two city organizations will receive thousands in state grants to improve food storage and meal preparation facilities.

Veterans Inc. and Pernet Family Health Service were among 72 farms, fisheries, food banks and community organizations included in a nearly $7 million grant announcement from the Healey administration last week. The Worcester organizations received a combined $142,099 through the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program.

Veterans Inc. was awarded $120,894 for food pantry storage and kitchen upgrades, according to the state.

Pernet Family Health Service will receive $21,205 for a refrigerator, freezer and construction work.

"No family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Local food banks and community organizations are on the front lines of fighting hunger, and they are seeing more people asking for help," said Gov. Maura Healey. "These grants will help them purchase the refrigerators, kitchen equipment and delivery vehicles they need to get more fresh, healthy food to families across Massachusetts."

Nearly $3 million of the statewide funding will support food banks and other organizations that provide food to residents experiencing hunger. Other grants will help farmers and fishers purchase equipment, expand production and reach more customers.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources administers the grant program, which was established in 2020 to support equipment and facilities used to grow, harvest, process, store and distribute food. State officials said 60 percent of this year's recipients are receiving grants through the program for the first time.