2026-27 Institute Fall Retreat

Early last month, as we kicked off Farm to School Month, Massachusetts Farm to School staff and members of the 2026–2027 Massachusetts Farm to School Institute gathered at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester for a two-day Fall Retreat. This year’s Institute brings together teams representing a wide range of communities and settings, from early childhood programs and public schools to agricultural and vocational education programs, with participants coming from across Massachusetts (and one special attendee from North Carolina).

The retreat gave teams time to learn, connect, and dig into the work ahead as they develop and implement their farm to school action plans. Workshops explored topics such as school gardens and experiential learning, integrating local food into school menus, curriculum-based farm to school connections, and farm to school in early childhood settings. Participants also heard from seasoned practitioners, including leaders from MetroWest YMCA, Everett Community Growers, Island Grown Initiative, Brookline Public Schools, Watertown Public Schools, and Mass Audubon.

On the second day of the Fall Retreat, participants had the chance to develop their skills through hands-on learning journeys. These journeys taught participants lessons about gardening, composting, cooking with local foods, connecting bread-making to classroom education, and using school gardens as spaces for art, reflection, and creativity. Throughout the retreat, teams exchanged ideas, asked questions, and considered how farm to school can take shape in ways that make sense for their own students, staff, and communities. 

We’re grateful to everyone who brought their experience, curiosity, and enthusiasm to the retreat, and we’re excited to see how this year’s Institute teams continue putting their plans into action. The Massachusetts Farm to School Institute is offered in partnership with Vermont FEED and with generous support from the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. 

2026-27 Institute Teams

• Bristol County Agricultural High School
• Greater Lowell Family YMCA Early Learning Program
• Lowell Community Charter Public School
• Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative

A few photos!