Lowell — The Acre Partnership, in collaboration with Heritage Properties, is excited to enhance its ongoing efforts to drive more customers to Acre food businesses through ‘Taste the Acre,’ an initiative that celebrates the cultural and culinary diversity of Lowell’s Acre neighborhood.

The program continues to highlight the neighborhood’s incredible food, strengthen local businesses, and foster community connections.

“Taste the Acre” has become a cornerstone of the Acre’s community development efforts, with a series of food markets, walking tours, and community partnerships marketing the neighborhood as a food destination.

Local chefs, restaurants, bars, and cafes are working together to present their culinary creations, offering residents and visitors a taste of the diverse flavors that define the Acre. The program aims to support these businesses by drawing new customers and collaborating with business owners to expand their reach.

“This initiative is about more than just food,” said Nate Robertson, MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Fellow for the Acre Neighborhood. “This initiative builds on The Acre’s strengths to bolster local business. The neighborhood has a rich heritage and tapestry of multiple, high-quality restaurants and is becoming a regional culinary destination.”

Heritage Properties is playing a pivotal role in the program. The company is not only providing essential resources to the project, but also directly introducing new residents to the neighborhood. As part of the “Taste the Acre” initiative, Heritage Properties is distributing gift cards to new residents throughout their property portfolio, inviting them to explore and enjoy local food businesses.

“We’re thrilled to be part of ‘Taste the Acre,’” said Jeff Bush, President of Heritage Properties. “By giving new residents gift cards to local businesses, we’re not only welcoming them to the neighborhood but also supporting the small businesses that make the Acre such a special place. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

These gift cards are more than just a welcome gift; they serve as an invitation to new residents to immerse themselves in the Acre’s rich cultural heritage. By encouraging new residents to shop locally, Heritage Properties is helping to strengthen the neighborhood’s economy and promote the diverse culinary offerings that define the Acre.

In addition to food-focused events, “Taste the Acre” will also prioritize sustainability, ensuring that the growth of the local food scene aligns with the neighborhood’s long-term development goals.

The initiative is poised to become a model for how community partnerships can drive economic and cultural revitalization.

For more information on “Taste the Acre” and upcoming events, please follow Taste the Acre on Facebook and Instagram.