Procurement Resources

Massachusetts Farm to School has been supporting schools sourcing local foods for over 20 years.  Local purchasing can be hassle free! This resource page holds links to various recorded webinars and resources for Child Nutrition Programs to purchase local foods, while adhering to state and federal procurement regulations.

Local Procurement 101
Recording

Looking to source local foods but not sure where to start? Mass Farm to School will walk you through identifying what local items can easily be sourced for your meal programs, vendors you can work with, and resources to make the procurement process simple, compliant, and hassle-free. This workshop was recorded in August, 2025. 

MAPC Northeast Produce RFP
Resource Page

The Northeast Produce RFP was issued to enable food sales between schools and local food aggregators (i.e., food hubs) from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. This RFP was issued on behalf of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA), therefore covering all cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The process was led by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), with the support of Mass. Farm to School. Click on the vendor name below for more information including price lists and delivery areas.

Access the Full Set of RFP Documents (RFP, Bid Responses, Evaluations, Award Letters) and a sample contract.

Utilizing the 3-Quote Method to Increasing Local Sourcing
Recording & Resource Page

Have you wondered how to increase your purchases from local farms and producers without breaking MA and Federal procurement regulations? Then this workshop is for you! In partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, we have developed a series of template Request for Quotes that you can use to solicit up to $100,000 annually from local producers. Join this session to learn how you can use these tools to significantly increase your local purchases.

Procurement Workshop: Meat, Seafood & Dairy 
Recording

This workshop, recorded January 2024, is designed to highlight school nutrition professionals who are currently sourcing local meat, seafood and dairy products for their Northeast Food for Schools program. Learn about different products, cuts, and considerations to make when looking to procure meat, seafood or dairy products. Participants will also get connected to resources to find local products.

Procurement Workshop: Fresh & Frozen Produce
Recording

This workshop, recorded December 2023, highlights local fresh and frozen produce school nutrition professionals have utilized for their Northeast Food for Schools program. Participants connected with school nutrition professionals utilizing different products, learned recipes they found successful with their students, and got connected to resources to find local products.

Procurement Regulations:  Sourcing Local & Complying with State & Federal Regulations
Recording

This workshop provides school nutrition professionals with technical assistance around local sourcing and proper procurement solicitations. Special attention will be given to reviewing the three-vendor request for quote (RFQ) small purchase process and additional resources for complying with federal, state and local regulations. Recorded in October, 2023 when many districts were looking for ways to spend Northeast Food for Schools funds from the USDA’s Local Food for Schools grant. While the grant is no longer, the state and federal regulations are still relevant today.

Introduction to Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs
Workshop from John C. Stalker Institute at Framingham State University

Utilizing state and federal funds to run their Child Nutrition Programs, School Food Authorities (SFAs) have a responsibility to ensure that procurement procedures are conducted with fair, open competition. In this course, you will learn the basics principles of procurement for Child Nutrition Programs. 

Informal Procurement  in Child Nutrition Programs
Workshop from John C. Stalker Institute at Framingham State University

Utilizing informal procurement strategies are key for any programs looking to source directly from farmers, for total aggregate purchases under $100,000 in a fiscal year. This training will breakdown the basics of micropurchases and small purchases, helping you choose the right method for each situation, and show you where to find the tools and resources you need to make informed decisions that are compliant with state and federal procurement regulations.