Worcester Regional Food Hub Program Targets Area Farmers, Start-Up Entrepreneurs
Worcester Regional Food Hub – WE ARE LOCAL FOOD
Fresh, local food fuels our bodies, brings people together, boosts our economy, and creates jobs.
The Worcester Regional Food Hub is a collaborative effort between the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce the Regional Environment Council, with support of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. Together, we are building a robust regional food system that expands access to healthy, local food while supporting the growth of food entrepreneurs. Our mission is to foster healthy, sustainable, and just communities through innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.
Strengthening Local Agriculture
Worcester County is home to more than 1,500 farms. The Food Hub works to keep this food in our community by:
- Building strong relationships with local farmers
- Offering logistical support to increase local purchasing
- Expanding distribution to schools, universities, healthcare facilities, markets, and restaurants
By supporting the entire farm-to-market chain, we strengthen small-scale agriculture, enhance sustainability, and ensure that locally grown food is accessible to all.
Growing Healthy Communities & Local Economies
Improved access to local food not only promotes healthier communities but also drives economic growth. The Food Hub helps emerging food businesses thrive by connecting them with fresh, affordable ingredients and creating opportunities to sell their products locally.
Commercial Kitchen Incubator
Launched in 2016 at the Worcester County Food Bank in partnership with the Regional Environmental Council (REC) and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Food Hub’s Commercial Kitchen Incubator provides affordable kitchen space, business support, and a collaborative environment for food entrepreneurs.
Our Growth
- 2016 – First kitchen opened at Worcester County Food Bank in Shrewsbury
- 2019 – Kitchen Moved to the Greendale People’s Church in Worcester
- 2023 – Partnership with Quinsigamond Community College to feature local food in its cafeteria
- 2024 – Opened the Fitchburg Public Market, where entrepreneurs use 3 shared kitchens and vendor space to test, sell, and scale their products
- 2025 – Expanded into our new headquarters at Union Station in Worcester.
Union Station
In 2025, the Worcester Regional Food Hub proudly opened its Union Station Headquarters, a transformative project made possible through a combination of federal, state, local, and private support.
This state-of-the-art facility features:
- Five fully equipped commercial kitchens
- On-site storage for aggregation and distribution
- Wholesale capacity to expand market access for local producers
Designed as a 24/7 operation, the Union Station headquarters offers over 120 hours of bookable kitchen time daily, giving food entrepreneurs flexible access to the resources they need to grow their businesses.
Fitchburg Public Market
In 2024, the Worcester Regional Food Hub expanded its impact with the opening of the Fitchburg Public Market in downtown Fitchburg. This vibrant space was developed with the support of community partners to provide food entrepreneurs with new opportunities to launch, grow, and connect directly with consumers.
The Market features:
- Three Shared commercial kitchen space for food preparation and product development
- Nine Vendor stalls and retail areas where entrepreneurs can sell their creations directly to the public
- A collaborative environment that fosters innovation, networking, and community engagement
By combining production, retail, and incubation, the Fitchburg Public Market helps local businesses test ideas, build customer bases, and contribute to a thriving downtown economy.
Affordable Access
Kitchen rental costs range from $25–$30 per hour. As a food justice initiative, the Food Hub prioritizes lowering barriers for entry. Our simple application process focuses on culinary experience, product vision, and goals. Promising applicants receive personalized support to launch or grow their business.
How to Get Started
The Food Hub’s incubation process is designed to help food businesses succeed at any stage:
- Start a Conversation – Email info@worcesterfoodhub.org to set up a meeting about your business idea.
- Personalized Plan – We’ll create a tailored plan to accelerate your growth.
- Permitting – Receive guidance on obtaining a wholesale food permit from city/state officials.
- Membership – Pay your membership and start-up fees.
- Launch – Connect your product with local consumers and watch your business grow!
JOIN OUR KITCHEN TODAY – EMAIL INFO@WORCESTERFOODHUB.ORG