We work to advance policies at the local, state, and federal levels that will expand local food sourcing and education in schools. This includes:
Campaign to Establish a Massachusetts Farm to School Grant Program
Through the MA Food for MA Kids Coalition, we are advocating for the creation of a statewide farm to school grant program within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This program would provide eligible schools and early education and care programs the critical funds needed to start up or expand farm to school activities. The program would support the infrastructure investments, staff training, and educational initiatives that lead to farm to school program success and sustainability. While COVID-relief funds were allocated to create a $1 million pilot grant program, we are now working to make this a permanent program in Massachusetts. Learn more and get involved at www.mafoodformakids.org.
Supporting aligned food systems advocacy efforts led by partners
We are active members of the Feed Kids Coalition advocating for permanent universal free meals for Massachusetts students. We are also actively engaged in the MA Food System Collaborative’s campaign to expand food literacy in Massachusetts.
Supporting funding within the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources for Farm to School programming
Each year we engage with the state budgeting process to encourage continued funding for farm to school. MDAR has been an essential funding and program partner to our organization since we were founded.
Join the MA Food for MA Kids Coalition. Click here to register for the next upcoming meeting.
Want to stay up to date on the latest farm to school policy news? Sign up here to receive ongoing communications about this campaign and other opportunities to take action.
Want tips on becoming a successful advocate?
These two videos provide tips on holding effective meetings with state legislators using the specific example of the pending farm to school grant bill. The first video provides more background on this bill and the legislative process the bill faces. The second video provides more detailed guidance on how to prepare for your meeting, what to bring, what to say in the meeting, and how to follow up with your legislator.
Build support for farm to school in your community and across the state. These tools will help you engage with local and state decision makers to ensure farm to school activity has the support it needs to grow.
We also offer individualized services for schools looking for in-depth support in planning, implementing, or evaluating a farm to school program
Learn MorePhone: (413) 253-3844
Email: info@massfarmtoschool.org
