Greens growing in the greenhouse at Seeds of Solidarity Farm Food service at Westfield Public Schools dig into fresh,
in Orange, MA. local vegatables while testing recipes for the MA Farm-to- School Cookbook!
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 good for Massachusetts growers who are looking for a new way to connect with local consumers.
Farm-to-school transactions must be evaluated for good “fit” and positive value for both sides. MDAR, through its support of a farm-to-school consultant, Kelly Erwin, provides technical assistance to Massachusetts farmers and schools as they attempt to find a good match. To date there are more than 85 public school districts and 13 colleges in the Commonwealth serving local food, over half of which have received assistance from the Mass. Farm to School Project. Over 40 farms are currently selling to schools across the state.
The Farm-to-School Project can be reached for consultation by Kelly Erwin or Megan Kohn, Program Associate at 413-253-3844 or kelerwin@localnet.com. Initial sales evaluation materials for farmers and a local foods seasonal calendar and promotional posters for schools can be downloaded or are available from the Project and from the MDAR Bureau of Markets.