MA FRESH Grant Program

The Massachusetts FRESH (Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health) Grant is a new statewide farm to school and farm to early care grant program. The program is administered by the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The program is designed to support K-12 and early education and care centers to start up or expand their local foods purchasing and education efforts. Read below for more information on the grant program guidelines including current information on application deadlines.

The FY24 application period has now closed and applications are not currently being accepted. Check back soon for information about future grant announcements.

Mass. Farm to School is supporting the implementation of FRESH grants through technical assistance and trainings. If you are a current grantee, please contact Abby Getman Skillicorn at abby@massfarmtoschool.org for more information about grantee support.

Prospective Applicants

If you are interested in applying for the next round of funding, Mass. Farm to School staff are available to provide support. Please contact Abby Getman Skillicorn at abby@massfarmtoschool.org. We will host an Information Session when the next round is announced. 

Frequently Asked Questions

For a list of frequently asked questions and responses from DESE, visit https://www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/grants/ma-fresh-qa.html 

Want to Help Advocate for a Permanent Farm to School Grant Program? 

Please visit mafoodformakids.org to learn about current policy action alerts and ways to get in touch with your legislators.

Additional Resources

External Trainings & Events

Framingham State University/John Stalker Institute

• Professional Development for School Nutrition Staff
  • Professional development and training for school food service professionals to enhance school meal offerings The John C. Stalker Institute is pleased to recommend eight culinary workshops for those wishing to include professional development and training for school food service professionals to enhance school meal offerings.

Organizations and Businesses Supporting School Gardens

• Ascentria (Hampden County) 
• Backyard Growers (Gloucester & Cape Ann)
• Berkshire Botanical (Berkshire County) 
• Fresh Start Food Gardens (Western Middlesex & Northeastern Worcester County) 
• Green City Growers (Greater Boston Area) 
• Island Grown Initiative  (Martha’s Vineyard)
• Marion Institute // Grow Education (South Coast) 
• Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom (Statewide)
• Mill City Grows (Lowell)  
• Regional Environmental Council (Worcester)
• School Sprouts Educational Gardens (Hampshire & Hampden County) 
• Sustainable Cape (Cape Cod) 
• Sustainable Nantucket (Nantucket)