The Boston Public Market Association is the sole bidder for the Parcel 7 ground floor operation of a “Made in Massachusetts” food market planned for the garage building next to Haymarket and the Greenway, according to officials. The space has been empty for 10+ years since the MassDOT building was constructed as part of the Big Dig.
In late December 2011, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Boston Public Food Market developer and operator after a public hearing last September at the State House.
The MDAR is specifically favoring Massachusetts-only products for the Boston Public Food Market. According to the RFP, “The proposed food market (the “Public Market”) will provide Massachusetts farmers, fish and seafood producers, and producers of agricultural and specialty produce with a year-round venue for direct sales, and will help to create jobs both at the Public Market and for producers. The Public Market will provide consumers with an opportunity to both learn about and purchase healthy, sustainable food. The products offered at the Public Market will respond to the cultural and economic diversity of Massachusetts.”
The Public Market Commission has set a timeline to open the public food market by the Fall of 2012, spurred by State legislation with public funding up to $10 million of which $4 million has been authorized.
Below is a promotional video created by the Boston Public Market Association to support its bid and raise money.
Also, view the September 2011 video of a public hearing held at the State House.
