Essex Tech, Salem Schools Partner With Local Farms

DANVERS, MA — Essex Tech and Salem administrators got a lesson in sustainable farming — with students possibly soon having the chance to work with farms as part of their Essex Tech curriculum — as part of a partnership between the schools and the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

Essex Tech Superintendent Heidi Riccio attended a tour of Moraine Farm in Beverly on Tuesday after the school entered an agreement to purchase produce from the farm to serve in its cafeteria this year. New Entry also works with Salem Public Schools to provide fresh produce to schools.

New Entry is a Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy initiative that works to strengthen local food systems by providing workshops and training for new farmers starting their careers.

"Partnering with New Entry allows us to support local farmers while providing our students with fresh, nutritious, locally grown produce," Riccio said. "Their work is very closely aligned with the mission of our school: to train the next generation of workers to take the helm of their industries and contribute positively to their communities."

New Entry Director Jennifer Hashley said the partnership will help reach the goal to "grow the pipeline of future farmers — that's our target audience."

"A whole school of people potentially excited about farming is huge for us," she said.

At Tuesday's event, New Entry staff lead Massachusetts Farm to School representatives, Essex Tech administration and staff, Salem Public Schools representatives,local legislators and other stakeholders on a tour of their grounds and provided insight into their work with local farmers.

State legislators, including Sen. Joan Lovely and Rep. Paul Tucker, attended the event.