From kindergarten to college, interest in serving locally grown foods in cafeterias is increasing in Massachusetts and throughout the northeast U.S. Feeding locally grown foods to students can be a good way for food service directors to improve the nutritional value and taste of school meals, while supporting the local economy. Selling local products to schools can be profitable for Massachusetts growers who are looking for a new way to connect with local consumers.
MDAR, through its support of the Massachusetts Farm to School Project, provides technical assistance to Massachusetts farmers and schools as they attempt to find a good match. To date there are about 320 public school districts, private schools, and colleges in the Commonwealth preferentially serving local foods, over half of which have received assistance from the Mass. Farm to School Project. About 114 farms are currently selling their products directly to schools across the state. At the Mass. Farm to School Project we focus on procurement - local foods arriving at the loading dock of institutions - and on facilitating sustainable relationships between farms and schools. But, we are committed to promoting all aspects of farm to school-related experiences.
To learn more, visit the Mass. Farm to School Project's website.
Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week
Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week is September 30 - October 4, 2013. Harvest Week celebrates nutritious local food and stronger local economies. The week showcases our schools’ success in creating healthier choices and a greater awareness of the taste and textures of local foods for students. Click here for more info .