Northeast Food for Schools was a one time USDA funded program providing funds for schools to spend on locally sourced foods. The program was designed to support schools in new or expanded local food purchasing with a focus on purchases from small and minority-owned businesses. You can read more about the federal program here.
Massachusetts received $3.5 million for this program which were used September 2023 – December 2024. The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education allocated these funds to all districts that opted into the program. Funds were equitably disbursed based on the number of students per district, district average daily meal participation, and total award request. NFS funds were available for a wide variety of products, all of which was unprocessed or minimally processed and grown/raised/caught within 400 miles.
Participating Schools: See a full list of participating schools and their award amounts here.
For the first time, we have excellent data about how schools are choosing to feature local food on their menus, and we are thrilled to share our first high level overview of the Northeast Food for Schools program’s impact on Massachusetts. We also know that impactful programs are much more than just numbers, and we have also collected short stories about how individual school districts and producers have been impacted by the funds. View the program impact snapshot.
There are many farmers, producers, and food hubs that can provide local products. Read on for a list of food hubs already awarded through a competitive solicitation and eligible to sell to any school in Massachusetts.
Check out our Local Food Map for additional farmers and food hubs interested in selling to schools.
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.
Nine vendors have been awarded. SFAs can contract with any of the awarded vendors without the need for an additional procurement process.
Click on the button below to read more about the vendors and see their price lists and delivery areas.
Looking for support sourcing local products in addition to produce? Reach out to Abby Getman Skillicorn at Mass. Farm to School, abby@massfarmtoschool.org. Throughout the year we will be offering workshops and individualized consulting including:
Sample Request for Quotes (RFQ)
DESE’s Office of Food and Nutrition Programs has developed a sample request for quotes that can help your school purchase local foods in compliance with all state and federal procurement regulations. The RFQ is intended for use with vendors where you anticipate spending between $10,000 and $100,000. We will be offering additional procurement training throughout the school year.
Phone: (413) 253-3844
Email: info@massfarmtoschool.org
