Lowell – On the heels of the Trump Administration cancelling the federal Fiscal Year 2025 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, the Healey-Driscoll Administration Monday announced it is awarding $850,000 in state-funded, competitive Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (FRESH) grants to 26 school districts and 11 early education and care programs.

Lowell Public Schools is one of the districts receiving funding, with Westford schools also in line for a $16,600 award. Lowell’s share of the money is $30,000 and will replace the $25,000 cut from the federal program.

The Massachusetts grant program supports National School Lunch Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsors to start or expand their capacity to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system.

In Lowell, the grant allows LPS to partner with Mill City Grows in constructing three new school gardens at the Murkland Elementary School, the BRIDGE Program, and the Dr. Janice Adie Day Program at the George Tsapatsaris School.  Mill City Grows will also support each school with teacher professional development, student fill and plant days, and community harvest days.

These gardens will grow offerings that reflect the diversity of our students’ home cuisines.  Students will also enjoy their harvests with monthly “Harvest of the Month” selections offered through the district’s Food Service Department.  Additionally, Lowell High School will be purchasing hydroponic equipment to establish an indoor garden.

“This is wonderful news that will allow us to expand our students’ opportunities with gardening and learning about our local food systems,” said Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner. “Mill City Grows has been an invaluable partner for Lowell Public Schools. It is amazing to see students take pride in preparing, planting, and harvesting a garden and being interested in and excited about healthy food. It is an excellent hands-on and relatable way to learn science and necessary life skills.  This grant funding will go a long way, and we are very grateful for the Healey-Driscoll administration for understanding the need and stepping up to fund these initiatives.”  

The Farm to School program has been used in recent years to purchase produce, dairy, and other items from local farmers, which were then highlighted in our cafeterias as “Harvest of the Month.”

Food service staff have been very creative in cooking up recipes and ways to showcase the food and get kids interested in tasting something that may be new to them, while also learning to appreciate the importance and quality of locally grown and produced food.

The program has also offered food service staff a chance for educational and fun professional development opportunities; for instance, in the spring of 2022 a group of food service workers had the opportunity to tour and learn about the 90-acre Farmer Dave’s in Dracut. It is a program that benefits and inspires our students, food service workers, and local small businesses.

“While the Trump Administration continues to take away food from children and families, and hurt local businesses and farmers, Massachusetts is continuing to prioritize programs like these,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know that our students succeed when they have access to healthy food, and we can create partnerships that support local businesses and farms in the process.”