Western Mass. Schools Get Local Food Grants

Thirteen western Massachusetts recipients will share $254,397 for gardens, cooking classes, and farm partnerships.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Healthy Food

Western Mass. Schools Get Local Food Grants

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Do you support state funding for locally grown food in your local schools?

The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded $750,000 in grants to 29 school districts, early education programs, and organizations across Massachusetts to expand local food education and access. Thirteen recipients are in western Massachusetts, which will receive $254,397 for local food initiatives and education.

Why it matters

School meals and food education shape how children learn to eat, and funding for school gardens, cooking classes, and local farm partnerships builds those habits where kids spend much of their day. The grants arrive as the state continues to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students.

The figures come from the state's announcement of grant awards, which lists the amounts going to each district and organization. The announcement reports dollar amounts and recipient counts but does not include outcome measures showing effects on student nutrition.

The players

Healey-Driscoll administration

The Massachusetts state administration that announced the grants and oversees the MA FRESH and MA FRESH CORP programs.

The details

The grants flow through two programs, MA FRESH and MA FRESH CORP. The funding supports school gardens, cooking classes, farm visits, and partnerships with local farmers, while the CORP funding also helps schools hire and train local food coordination staff. Together these efforts give students hands-on exposure to where food comes from and how it is prepared.

The grant distribution was announced on November 5, 2026.

Health Landscape

The MA FRESH and MA FRESH CORP programs sit within Massachusetts' broader approach of pairing free school meals with food education. This award round extends that model to more districts and organizations across the state.

Families in western Massachusetts may see more school gardens, cooking classes, and farm visits in their children's schools as these grants are put to use. Parents can ask their school district how it is using local food funding and whether students can take part.

The takeaway

Hands-on food education, from gardens to cooking classes, gives children practical experience that can support healthier eating. Parents interested in these programs can ask their child's school how it is using MA FRESH funding.