Solar power coming to Frogfoot Farm in Wareham with $135K grant
Solar power coming to Frogfoot Farm in Wareham with $135K grant
Beth McDermott | Standard-Times
The Marion Institute plans to install a 17.5-kilowatt solar array at Frogfoot Farm in Wareham after receiving a $135,000 state grant aimed at expanding renewable energy and food access in southeastern Massachusetts.
The funding, awarded through the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Low-Income Solar Incentive Program, will help power the nonprofit’s regenerative farm on the Plymouth-Wareham town line, according to a community announcement.
Frogfoot Farm operates on land provided by the A.D. Makepeace Company and grows fresh produce exclusively for local food pantries. The site harvested nearly 13,000 pounds of crops during its first full growing season, the equivalent of more than 120,000 servings distributed to residents experiencing food insecurity across the region, according to the announcement.
The solar array is expected to provide steady electricity to the remote farm, replacing a reliance on generators while reducing operating costs by about $5,000 annually.
Reliable electrical service will support irrigation systems, wash and pack equipment, greenhouse operations, lighting and future farm needs. The investment is intended to strengthen the farm’s ability to grow and distribute fresh food while supporting long-term sustainability efforts.
“This investment is about much more than solar power—it’s about strengthening our ability to nourish our communities for years to come. Reliable, renewable energy allows us to operate Frogfoot Farm more sustainably, reduce operating costs, and reinvest those resources into growing even more fresh, healthy food for our neighbors. We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the A.D. Makepeace Company for believing in this vision and helping us build a more resilient regional food system,” said Liz Wiley, executive director of the Marion Institute.
James Kane, president and CEO of the A.D. Makepeace Company, said the partnership has focused on improving the site since it began.
“Since we initiated this partnership in 2023, we have worked together on incremental improvements that will ultimately benefit the less fortunate of our communities,” Kane said.
The Marion Institute’s award is one of 10 grants issued through the state program, which officials say will add more than 600 kilowatts of solar capacity across Massachusetts.
“We are thrilled to award grants to this latest group of nonprofit organizations and add more than 600 kW of new solar energy to Massachusetts,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “Together, these organizations will pay almost $275,000 less in electricity costs each year, providing more financial resources for their important missions. The solar systems LISSP enables benefit communities by helping local organizations reach more people, and with cleaner air and improved public health.”
The A.D. Makepeace Company has supported Frogfoot Farm by supplying land, soil improvements and irrigation infrastructure, helping establish a foundation for the nonprofit’s agricultural work.
Frogfoot Farm is part of the Marion Institute’s broader effort to improve food access and community health by connecting farms with local families in need.
Through regenerative farming practices, volunteer support and regional partnerships, the farm supplies fresh produce exclusively to food relief organizations across Southeastern Massachusetts.
More information is available at https://www.marioninstitute.org and https://admakepeace.com.
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