Last week, I posted that the Massachusetts Avenue Farmhouse (MAP) looked as if it was ready for action. Little did I realize that the ribbon cutting was scheduled to be held a few days later. Well, that ribbon cutting was officially held this morning – the ceremony and press conference was jam packed with attendees hoping to finally get a firsthand glimpse of the $2.4 million project.

In coming years, the farmhouse and community food training center, located at 387 Massachusetts Avenue, will serve as a food sustainability mecca, which will address the problematic issues of food security, food desserts, ever increasing national obesity epidemic in young people and adults, and climate change. Today’s ribbon cutting marked an occasion where the entire community came together to make this project happen. What started off as a mere dream in 2014 has now become a full fledge operational farmhouse in the heart of the city’s West Side.

“Every community should have access to quality, fresh food and this partnership with MAP is part and parcel with New York State’s ongoing efforts to end food insecurity once and for all,” Governor Cuomo said. “This urban food hub in Buffalo will provide new markets for small farmers, greater access to affordable and nutritious food and job training and resources for the next generation of community leaders.”