South Coast Today: Westport educators head to class for state’s Farm to School Institute

11/3/2022

Jeffrey D. Wagner

WESTPORT — Participating teachers called it the best professional development they have ever had.

School leaders envision a future in which all produce at the school is grown locally.

Westport earlier this fall was among a handful of districts statewide to participate in the 6th annual Massachusetts Farm to School Institute.

According to a release from the Massachusetts Farm to School program, the state legislature allocated $1 million of federal COVID-relief funds to pilot a statewide Farm to School Grant program and advocates in the “Massachusetts Food for Massachusetts Kids Coalition are hoping to make the program permanent in the next legislative session.”

“This permanent funding will ensure that schools like those that participate in the Farm to School Institute have the resources they need for staff training, infrastructure investments and other elements crucial for program success,” also according to the written release.

Westport envisions one day having a complete farm to table district, according to Business Manager Michelle Rapoza…

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