The Centre for Faith, Art Justice's Impact on Food Insecurity in Boston

The City of Boston's Office of Food Justice awarded $500,000 in ARPA funds to support twelve organizations in enhancing food access through cold storage initiatives. The Centre for Faith, Art & Justice, a unique recipient, has already seen a 40% increase in food recovery thanks to a new electric refrigerated cargo van. This van significantly boosts their capacity, allowing them to procure around 85,000 lbs of food monthly, up from 50,000 lbs. It also acts as a “refrigerator on wheels,” preserving the quality of food during transport. The Centre’s Food Justice Program serves over 450 households with its community pantry and market, providing essential groceries and fresh produce.

The grants will strengthen cold storage infrastructure from January 2025 to December 2026, addressing critical food insecurity in Boston neighborhoods. Linda Karpeichik, the program director, emphasizes the importance of the van in improving food quality and recovery efforts. This initiative is vital for communities facing high food insecurity rates.