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Information Session for Massachusetts FRESH Grant for Schools and Districts
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Office for Food and Nutrition Programs in collaboration with Massachusetts Farm to School (MFTS) is accepting applications for the FY25 Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (MA FRESH) grant program. Applications are due Friday, October 11 by 5:00 PM through DESE’s GEM$ grants management system.
Join MFTS for an upcoming virtual MA FRESH Grant Information Session:
- MA FRESH for Schools and Districts (NSLP Sponsors) l Thursday, September 5th @ 2:00 PM
- MA FRESH for Licensed Early Education Programs (CACFP Sponsors) l Friday, September 6th @ 2:00 PM
A recording of the MA FRESH Grant Information Sessions will be available following each session date.
Additionally, throughout September, MFTS will offer mini-coaching sessions and share resources to support schools and early education programs with their applications.
In its third year of funding, this opportunity will support schools, districts and licensed early education programs to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system. Furthermore, this grant seeks to connect food system education to the local community and to the availability of local foods served in school or early education meal programs.
For the FY25 MA FRESH grant cycle, up to $500,000.00 will be available with awards of up to $30,000 per applicant.
Schools and districts serving students Kindergarten through 12th grade that are National School Lunch Program (NSLP) sponsors as well as licensed early education programs that are Child and Adult Care Family Program (CACFP) sponsors are eligible to apply.
Grants can fund projects through June 30, 2025.
Please email all questions to DESE Local Food System Specialist Maggie Nowak by Friday, October 4.