FAQs

Why a Farm to School Grant Bill?

Massachusetts Farm to School held a series gatherings beginning in 2018 to identify advocacy priorities for different farm to school stakeholders. Coupled with research about farm to school policy successes in other states, the group identified a farm to school grant program as a first priority for expanding farm to school programming through public policy.

The farm to school grant program is designed to provide 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. Read this fact sheet for more information about the bill.

What other legislation is supported by MA Food for MA Kids?

In addition to the farm to school grant bill and universal meals bill, we support a number of bills to advance an equitable and strong local food system, such as increased funding for the Healthy Incentives Program. Check out the legislative priorities of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative to learn more and take action.

Who is involved in this effort now?

Massachusetts Food for Massachusetts Kids is coordinated by Massachusetts Farm to School and FoodCorps MA. We are actively expanding the Coalition and invite you to join this effort and share with your networks.

Does this effort support federal legislation?

This effort is focused on Massachusetts state level policy. However, many of our members are engaged with federal food and farm policy that would significantly impact Massachusetts schools and communities. If you would like to learn more about federal policy efforts, we encourage you to sign up for Action Alerts from FoodCorps, follow the policy platform of the National Farm to School Network or stay up to date with policy proposals from organizations such as the HEAL Food Alliance and National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.