In 2016, we named our first Massachusetts Farm to School, “Kale Blazers,” at our biennial Farm & Sea to School Conference. Going forward we have honored our Kale Blazers during Farm to School Month in October, as a way to celebrate all things Farm to School.

The Kale Blazer recognizes an individual or group of individuals who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in farm to school activity in Massachusetts. These are people or groups at the forefront of the farm to school movement – innovating and setting inspiring examples for others to learn from. 

As we seek to advance equity in the farm to school movement, we particularly want to recognize those individuals who are working to ensure that all students can enjoy local food in school meals and engaging food education. 

We will be accepting nominations in the following four categories:

School Nutrition Professional

This category is for those sourcing, preparing and serving school meals, with a preference for front line school cafeteria staff, including cooks and servers who are championing healthy, local food for their students.

Youth Leader

This category is for individuals (or groups of youth) who are spearheading food systems change in their schools and communities.

Producer

This category is for the farmers, fishers, and food processors at the core of farm to school – producing the amazing products that nourish our students.

Educator

This category is for classroom teachers and educational support professionals who are leaders in bringing experiential food education or garden based learning to their students. 

Nomination Deadline: October 25, 2024. 

Read about our previous Kale Blazers.