The Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter and the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (PPLT) are pleased to announce the transition of the Food Access / Food Sovereignty Program to PPLT.

PPLT will serve as the lead organization guiding the vision, direction, and long-term development of the Food Access – Healthy Medicine work.

Background and Program History

Over the past nine years, the Food Access Team has developed and implemented impactful programming that has supported communities across Massachusetts. This work has included community workshops, technical assistance, and soil health education in urban and rural growing spaces throughout Turtle Island (North America), including Springfield, Worcester, Boston, and the Berkshires.

One flagship initiative, the Youth Agricultural Scientist Program at Tapley Garden, created in partnership with Home City Housing/Tapley Court Apartments in Springfield, has engaged more than 50 youth, cultivating leadership, scientific literacy, and community stewardship through agriculture.

NOFA/Mass has provided institutional support that helped incubate and strengthen this work during its formative years. At the same time, the Food Access – Healthy Medicine programming has been shaped by Indigenous knowledge systems, traditional ecological practices, and community-led leadership, which PPLT now carries forward as the program’s primary steward.

Looking Ahead: Stewardship by PPLT

The transition of this program to PPLT affirms that Food Access – Healthy Medicine work is best guided by Indigenous leadership. PPLT will hold primary responsibility for program governance, cultural integrity, community relationships, and long-term strategic direction. This stewardship ensures that the work remains accountable to Indigenous values, land-based knowledge, and the communities it serves.

Under PPLT’s leadership, the program will continue to evolve as a model of Indigenous food sovereignty, ecological restoration, and community resilience.

In partnership and shared commitment,

The Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter

Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust

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