Salem Schools, Beverly Learning Centers Awarded $115K In Food Grants

BEVERLY, MA — Salem Public Schools and Beverly Children's Learning Centers were awarded a combined $115,000 in grants aimed at helping them grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system.

The grants were part of the $1.2 million in MA FRESH grants awarded to 24 school districts and 10 early childcare centers across the state.

Recipients can use the money for school gardens, indoor hydroponic growing systems, culinary classes and field trips to farms. The grants also support professional development for nutrition professionals and educators to enhance school meal offerings and bring food literacy into the classroom.

"When children understand how their food is grown and where it comes from, they can make healthier choices and support their communities," Gov. Maura Healey said. "These grants also strengthen our local food system, so the benefits reach from our farms to our families."

Beverly Children's Learning Centers were awarded $29,846 and Salem Public Schools were awarded $84,845.

"Seeing the hard work and resilience of our farmers and food producers in the face of federal funding cuts has deepened my respect for the people who keep Massachusetts’ local food system strong," said Lt. Gov. and former Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. "MA FRESH grants help students understand how local people and industries are connected to the food students eat every day."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)