Request for Proposals (RFP)

Project Title: Program Evaluation of the Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (MA FRESH) Grant Program
Issued by: Massachusetts Farm to School
Release Date: October 13, 2026
Proposal Due Date: November 13, 2026

Introduction

Massachusetts Farm to School, under contracted partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive program evaluation of the current statewide farm to school (FRESH) Grant program. 

The selected consultant will evaluate the program’s impact, effectiveness, and implementation across participating K-12 school districts and licensed early education and care centers throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The final evaluation report will guide DESE state administrators and program partners in optimizing future funding cycles and improving local food system education and procurement efforts, while informing the public officials and program administrators about the grant program’s impact, best practices, and areas for improvement.

Context

Massachusetts Farm to School (MFTS) is a statewide organization with a mission to strengthen local farms and fisheries and promote healthy communities by increasing local food purchasing and education at schools. Since 2004, the organization has provided professional development and technical assistance to farm to school stakeholders including school nutrition staff, educators, farmers, community advocates, and policy makers. MFTS serves as a contracted partner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). DESE, in collaboration with the Department of Early Education and Care, administers the FRESH Grant program and contracts with MFTS to provide appropriate technical assistance and support to FRESH grantees and applicants. The FRESH grant program funds schools and early care sites to start up or expand local food procurement, infrastructure (e.g., school gardens), and experiential food system education, and more recently the FRESH CORP grant program awards funds to support grantees to institutionalize long-term farm-to-school activities. 

Scope of Work

The consultant will design and execute an evaluation that examines both process and outcomes. Key responsibilities include:

Evaluation Framework & Design: Develop a comprehensive evaluation plan and method (surveys, interview protocols, data indicators) to assess program success. 

Data Collection: Gather qualitative and quantitative data from current and past grantees, unfunded applicants/applications, non-applicants, program administrators and the grant award process. 

Impact Assessment: Analyze the degree to which funded projects successfully meet the goals of the program and align with the statewide goals and priorities identified in DESE’s farm to school “Road Map” strategic planning process.  The consultant should also identify barriers to applying for FRESH grant programs and emerging patterns in unfunded applicants.  

Reporting: Deliver a comprehensive report on the administration and outcomes of the FRESH Grant program, as well as a summary document or “one-pager” document(s) for communicating the evaluation’s most relevant findings to a policymaker and general audience. The final report will include actionable recommendations for future policy and grant administration and ongoing data collection mechanisms for efficient future program reporting. Stakeholders will also seek to leverage developed data collection mechanisms for broader farm to school program evaluation efforts beyond the MA FRESH grant program, where applicable.

Deliverables & Timeline

• Project work plan and timeline
• Draft evaluation findings for review
• Final Evaluation findings & recommendations
• Ongoing monitoring & evaluation tools and process recommendations
• Presentation materials & evaluation summaries

Timeline

(Timeline may be adjusted as needed.)

Budget

The total budget for this project is not to exceed $30,000. Proposals should include a detailed cost estimate, including hourly rates, anticipated hours, travel costs, and any subcontractor fees.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should not exceed 10 pages and must include:

1. Cover Letter
2. Project Understanding and Approach
3. Work Plan and Timeline
4. Team Qualifications and Experience
5. Relevant Project Examples or References
6. Detailed Budget
7. Resumes of Key Staff

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated expertise in evaluation design within child nutrition programs, statewide public grant programs, and/or community food systems.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed approach and work plan.
• Cost effectiveness and clarity of budget.
• References and previous performance.

Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format via: 

https://bit.ly/MA-FRESH_EvaluatorRFP_Form

All proposals must be received by 5pm on November 13, 2026.

Questions

Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted in writing to lisa@massfarmtoschool.org.  

Download RFP PDF