How did the Land Bank/Nourish Nantucket/Food Pantry collaboration evolve?
The Land Bank was interested in the property for meat processing associated with agricultural and conservation purposes. The Boynton Lane property exceeded the Land Bank’s needs for agriculture and conservation and therefore it was to our benefit that Nourish Nantucket, who had been exploring this property already in partnership with the Food Pantry, were willing and interested in being collaboratively involved in this negotiation. Through the involvement of these two organizations, the Boynton Lane property can support both agricultural endeavors and food insecurity programming.
Why was it important for the Land Bank to have a processing facility on Nantucket?
The Land Bank has been working on facilitating meat processing and the creation of an abattoir for several years as part of its agricultural mission to support local food production. The Commission believes it is important to be able to produce local meats on Nantucket. Right now, the only option to slaughter and process animals for sale is to transport live animals to off-island slaughterhouses. An on-island processing facility will enable local farmers to raise animals for consumption more sustainably and cost effectively, which the Land Bank Commission views as a community benefit.
How does venison processing fit into the Land Banks mission of conservation, agriculture, and recreation?
A large, overpopulated deer herd causes damage not only to the ecosystem but also becomes a public safety risk. Over-browsing by large herds causes damage to vegetation and hinders plant regeneration. A venison processing facility on the island will allow the Land Bank to apply for a deer damage permit as a qualified landowner due to the agricultural component of the Act. This will allow the organization to remove deer from specified properties under the permit while the meat goes to the Hunters Share the Harvest Program. This provides extra meat for food-insecure populations and manages deer overpopulation while conserving the ecological balance of the island. The future of this processing facility will facilitate Nantucket farmers raising animals for consumption
What is MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program?
The Hunters Share the Harvest Program is a MassWildlife initiative to provide hunters the opportunity to donate and share venison with those in need. Under this program, hunters are able to donate deer which then will be given out to Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity. On Nantucket, with the creation of this meat processing facility, we will be able to participate in this program, and the Nantucket Food Pantry or Nourish Nantucket can then distribute venison to their clients and food insecurity programs.
How is the ownership of the Boynton Lane property divided between the Land Bank and Nourish Nantucket?
- There is a Tenants in Common Agreement that defines the relationship between the organizations that are mutually using this space.
- Ownership will be split approximately 60/40 between the Land Bank and Nourish Nantucket respectively.
- Nourish Nantucket will occupy office space and license the first floor to the Nantucket Food Pantry.
- The Land Bank will oversee the meat processing facility in the basement and utilize the two apartments for employee housing.