Energy and Environment
Urban Agriculture
Aligned with growing local interest, NMCOG is working to promote a more sustainable and locally-based food production system. NMCOG partnered with the Lowell Food Security Coalition to advance local sustainable urban food production and to advance several recommendations outlined in the City of Lowell’s sustainability plan, Sustainable Lowell 2025. The goals of the urban agriculture project are to increase access to affordable and healthy food, improve community health through increased exercise and better nutrition, and to create economic opportunities through increased production and distribution of food that is locally grown.
The project was funded through a Community Transformation Grant provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Through the project NMCOG staff worked with several local urban food sustainability advocates and organizations to develop a food production plan, identify locations for urban orchards and additional farmers markets, and provide enhanced education on healthy eating practices.
Visit the Lowell Food Security Coalition website to learn more.
Click for Community Garden Resources.