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Food and Nutrition Programs

Office for Food and Nutrition Programs: Fueling the Commonwealth


Video transcript

Massachusetts is Leading the Way in Child Nutrition

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office for Food and Nutrition Programs administers child nutrition programs from child care settings and schools to afterschool programs and summer meal sites.

Massachusetts is proud to provide universal free school meals, making breakfast and lunch available at no cost to every student attending a participating school. Since implementation, millions more healthy meals have been served, helping reduce food insecurity while improving student participation and supporting academic success.

Families: Learn more about the different federal Child Nutrition Programs available to children in Massachusetts.

Meals That Meet High Standards

School meals are among the healthiest meals many children eat each day. Every meal served through federal Child Nutrition Programs follows standards designed to provide children with the nutrients they need to learn, grow, and be active. As outlined in School Meals Nutrition Standards Commission Report, Massachusetts continues to build upon these standards and encourages Child Nutrition Programs to offer:

  • a variety of fruits and vegetables,
  • foods rich in whole grains,
  • lean protein,
  • meals with lower sodium and less added sugar,
  • more meals cooked from scratch, and
  • fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Child nutrition professionals: Learn more about the menu planning tools, culinary training, and technical assistance to improve meal quality and still make meals appealing to students.

Also:

Learn more about how schools are investing in local procurement and strengthening communities while giving students opportunities to enjoy fresh, high-quality meals.

Celebrating School Meals

The Massachusetts Terrific Tray Competition celebrates innovative school meal recipes that school nutrition professionals developed using fresh, local ingredients and student feedback.

Food Literacy

The Office of Food and Nutrition Programs supports schools in helping students understand:

  • where food comes from,
  • how it is grown and produced,
  • the importance of balanced nutrition,
  • the role local agriculture plays in their communities, and
  • how healthy food choices contribute to lifelong wellness.

Learn more about how connecting the classroom, cafeteria, and community encourages curiosity, healthy eating, and appreciation for Massachusetts agriculture.

Nutritious Meals Throughout the Year and Across Age Groups

The Office of Food and Nutrition Programs Child Nutrition Programs supports programs for children in early childhood through high school year-round, as well as older adults in adult day health centers. Non-profit or for-profit organizations can become sponsors of Child Nutrition Programs.

Operators: Learn more about the programs that feed infants through adults

Last Updated: September 16, 2026

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