Announcing...
REC's Center for
Urban Agriculture and Food Security
WHAT THE CENTER WILL INCLUDE
Historic Firehouse at 108 Beacon Street
A renovated historic building that will serve as a permanent home for REC operations, community gatherings, education, and future program growth.
YouthGROW Campus Improvements
Secure ownership of a youth-led urban farm founded in 2003. Expand and protect space for youth employment, leadership development, food production, and hands-on learning.
Greenhouse and Growing Infrastructure
New growing space to increase production and support year-round programming.
Food Storage and Distribution Infrastructure
A warehouse with walk-in coolers, vehicles, loading dock facilities, and related infrastructure.
Community and Learning Spaces
Flexible space for workshops, youth programs, food education, meetings, and community events.
THE CENTER IS ALREADY TAKING SHAPE
The Center is being developed in phases, with planning for future components underway. Significant progress has already been made toward bringing this vision to life.
Milestones
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Acquired key properties for the future Center
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Purchased vehicles and food distribution equipment
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Installed walk-in coolers and related infrastructure
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Completed environmental assessments and due diligence activities
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Advanced planning and design efforts
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Began greenhouse construction
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Held public groundbreaking celebration
Growing Food, Opportunity, Community
Worcester and Central Massachusetts face growing challenges related to food insecurity, health equity, youth opportunity, and access to green space. At the same time, demand for REC's programs continues to grow.
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The Center for Urban Agriculture & Food Security will provide the permanent infrastructure needed to expand food production, increase food access, strengthen youth leadership development, and create lasting community assets for generations to come.
BUILDING CAPACITY FOR GREATER IMPACT
REC's programs are already serving thousands of residents each year in Worcester and Southern Worcester County. The Center for Urban Agriculture & Food Security will provide the space, infrastructure, and resources needed to deepen and expand this work for decades to come. By investing in proven programs and the facilities needed to support them, the Center will help REC increase its impact while strengthening long-term food security, youth development, education, and community engagement throughout Worcester.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Our Capital Campaign Committee is a passionate group of community leaders and supporters who believe in the power of food, community, and opportunity. Through their guidance, advocacy, and generosity, they are helping turn the vision for the Center for Urban Agriculture and Food Security into a reality. We are deeply grateful for their time, leadership, and commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future for our community.
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Allen Fletcher
Jack Foley
Monica Lowell
Rubin Williams
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Deb Cary
Jock Herron
Jennifer Madson
Sue Mailman
Joe O’Brien
Seth Popinchalk
Sean Rose
Cheryl Schmaltz
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HELP US GROW THE FUTURE
REC has launched a $10.46 million capital campaign to establish the Center for Urban Agriculture & Food Security. Thanks to generous support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and public partners, the campaign has already raised more than $7.5 million.
(as of July 20, 2026)
JOIN US
While tremendous progress has been made, important work remains. Your support will help complete the Center for Urban Agriculture & Food Security and expand REC's ability to serve Worcester and Southern Worcester County for generations to come.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
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Online gifts
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Multi-year pledges
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Donor-advised funds
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Stock gifts
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Corporate and foundation support
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Leadership and naming opportunities
Want to Learn More?
Contact Our Team
Together, we are growing Worcester's future.