The first annual Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week took place last year during September. Schools and colleges across the state purchased, served, and highlighted fresh locally grown food on their menus. The goal for the Week is to spur new buying relationships between schools and farms, as well as increase existing purchasing in schools around the state. Schools are also encouraged to focus on the benefits of locally grown foods in other ways, such as creating school gardens, taking trips to farms, and integrating agricultural themes in the classroom. Participating schools receive an introductory package with resources on how to buy locally, and free technical assistance from the Mass. Farm to School Project on finding farm vendors.

29 public school districts preferentially purchased locally grown food for the first time during Harvest Week last year. Plans are underway to do it again this year. Contact Mass. Farm to School Project if you’d like to join us.

For more information, contact Kelly Erwin at kelerwin@localnet.com.