Summer has been moving quickly this year but that has not slowed down the school nutrition professionals! Check out the recent news highlighting school nutrition and meal programs targeting the families of Massachusetts.
Arlington Public Schools nutrition staff made a mark in their community with their continue support and hard work keeping kids fed during the pandemic. The school nutrition staff was able to transition to to-go meal kits and curbside pickup. They redesigned menus with food that was easy for kids to open, microwave and eat.
Summer Eats by Project Bread is going strong through the summer. This program ensures every child has access to food they need. There is no sign up needed, all kids and teens 0-18 are eligible and there are hundreds of pick-up locations throughout the state.
New this summer! The culinary and nutrition program of Springfield Public Schools, Home Grown Springfield, has partnered with Oasis Food Pantry to increase the need for access to food for families. Every Friday throughout the summer, they will be located at the Eastfield Mall old Sears Tire Center building from 10:00am-5:00pm.
USDA has announced they have awarded more than $12 million in farm-to-school grants this year. The Massachusetts school awardees are:
- Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical Schools District in Danvers
- Lowell Public Schools
- Webster Public Schools
- The Marion Institute was included to develop the Grow Education farm to school curriculum to implement across the New Bedford Public School District.
- The South Shore YMCA will work with Weymouth Public Schools to embed school garden education in eight elementary schools.
- The Food Bank of Western Mass. will implement farm and nutrition education opportunities for students in the Holyoke and Springfield Public Schools.
