Help Us Build the Cape Cod Justice Initiative

Bread + Roses Cape Cod Justice Initiative was born from conversations within our community. This new charity will work tirelessly to build the physical capacity and network necessary to address the core threats facing our community, including food, economic, social, and environmental injustice in Hyannis and across Cape Cod.

You can help us can build a just and resilient Cape Cod. Your donation—no matter how big or small—supports every facet of our community-driven work. Thank you!

Nathan Herschler, President

Bread + Roses Cape Cod Justice Initiative

Soon at capecodjustice.org

You can read more about our programs below:

Category I: Food Justice Supported in Hyannis

The Challenge: Despite being one of the most affluent states in the nation, Massachusetts has fewer supermarkets per capita than almost any other state, ranking third lowest nationwide (The Food Trust, 2010). The uneven distribution of supermarkets in Massachusetts leaves a disproportionate number of lower-income people without access to nutritious food. The Market will provide a sustainable, healthy option for fresh produce and bulk dry goods that will serve the population near the Market in Hyannis.

Short-term Outcome: Secure funding from Mass Development to offset expenses associated with building out Market and Kitchen. (Complete)

Short-term Outcome: Secure discount services from contractors for match (Complete)

Short-term Outcome: Secure funding for the remainder of the Project's cost.

Mid-term Outcome: Open and operate the Cape Cod Market Business

Mid-term Outcome: Establish a Surplus Food Re-Capture Program

Mid-term Outcome: Open and operate the Bread + Roses Community Compost Business

Midterm Outcome: Open and operate the Community Kitchen Program; incubating food businesses

Activity: Implementing a Food Justice Education Program

Category II: Hyannis 2 Zero (H20) Blue Economy and Climate Resilience Program

Goal I: Building Sustainable Businesses focusing on the Green and Blue Economies

Cape Cod is defined by the water that surrounds us. Today, we are largely a modern, water-based tourist economy that connects people to their environment, inspires learning, and exports our unique knowledge to the world. The Blue Economy is the fulcrum that balances our economic and environmental health, creates a new regional identity focused on pride in our water and coastal resources, and supports a more balanced and sustainable year-round economy for its residents.

Outcome: Raise funding for, oversee development of, and operate a non-profit working/teaching kelp farm near Hyannis Harbor in collaboration with local partner companies and conservation educators.

Activity: Providing support to food entrepreneurs (grantmaking and training/coaching).

Outcome: Achieve progressive local regulatory reform to better accomplish the goals of an equitable and just Hyannis.

Activity: Advocacy

Goal II: Electrification and climate-friendly transportation

Outcome: Connection established.

Activity: Support Connecting Hyannis Transportation Center to Rail-Trail via Yarmouth Rd.

Outcome: Bike lane on Main St. established

Activity: Advocacy

Outcome: Establish a docked bike system on Main St. in consultation with CC Commission, Town of Barnstable and Rail Trail decision-makers

Outcome: Implementation of a Climate and Conservation Education Program through Bread + Roses Bookstore and Cafe

Outcome: Built electric car charging stations at the 296-302 Main St. Property (or along Main St.).

Outcome: Increased round-trip commuter-rail transportation options, lowering costs to travel to and from Cape Cod.

Activity: Advocacy

Outcome: Built solar system on 296-302 Main St and electrify all building operations

Outcome: Electrification of Cape Cod’s bus fleet.

Activity: Advocacy

Outcome: Convince Barnstable to establish a recycling/composting program for Main St. Hyannis

Activity: Advocacy

Category III: Addressing class and racial inequity on the Cape and Islands

Outcome: Establish a Housing Justice Program.

Outcome: Establish a criminal justice reform program

Activity: Exposure and advocacy

Outcome: Provision of direct care (food, shelter, clothing) to community-members in need.

Indicator: Meals Served, Value of Goods Delivered

Outcome: Establish an effective literacy program out of Bread + Roses Bookstore and Cafe

Activity: Writer’s Group

Outcome: Establish an LGBTQ+ and women’s rights advocacy support fund (Target TBD) (grants)

Outcome: Support the Arts on Cape Cod through i.e. children’s arts programs. (Target TBD) (grants); music, etc.