This Week

Massachusetts Farm to School Institute
Massachusetts Farm to School – EXTENDED to May 8 – Learn More

The Massachusetts Farm to School Institute is a year-long professional learning opportunity for a select number of school or school district teams from across Massachusetts.

This Month

MassGrown Food Bank Procurement 101
MDAR – Register Here

“Join MDAR and the Regional Food Banks on May 4th from 2:00 – 3:30pm for a virtual webinar on the MassGrown Initiative and procurement opportunities. This session will de-mystify the food bank procurement process for Massachusetts farms and food hubs by providing an opportunity to speak directly with procurement leaders about how to become a vendor and navigate their systems.

The Local Food Purchase Assistance grant program in Massachusetts (2022-2025) created an incredible supply chain that sold locally grown, raised, and caught food to food assistance providers. This webinar aims to sustain that momentum by fostering long-term partnerships between Massachusetts producers and food banks.”

MDAR Grants Currently Accepting Applications

FRESH Grants
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Due May 22 – Learn more

“The Massachusetts FRESH (Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health) Grant is a statewide farm to school and farm to early care grant program. The program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Food and Nutrition Programs (DESE FNP). The program is designed to support K-12 and licensed early education and care centers to start up or expand their local foods purchasing and education efforts.” 

Applied Agriculture in the Classroom Course
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom and Fitchburg State University – Starting May 4 – Learn More

This course offers educators an in-depth exploration of key agricultural topics, including soil science, beekeeping, plant production, and school garden applications. It emphasizes evidence-based teaching strategies, Massachusetts-focused content, current agricultural issues, multimedia integration, and career pathway exploration.

Later

Ongoing

Local and Regional Food Policy Technical Assistance Lab
Healthy Food Policy Project

Breakfast in the Classroom Grant
Eos Foundation – Learn More

“Eos provides technical assistance and BIC grant awards of $20,000 to eligible Massachusetts public schools and public charter schools eager to make breakfast part of their school day by launching or expanding BIC programming.”