Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Partners with Schools to Integrate Local Beef into Cafeterias via USDA Grant
Nonprofit Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) has partnered with Mass Farms to School to introduce locally produced ground beef into school cafeterias in North Adams and Lenox, Massachusetts. This pilot initiative is funded by a $180,133 USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant. The program aims to strengthen the local food system by connecting local farmers with institutional food service. Drury High School in North Adams is one of the participating schools, where students are now consuming burgers and other dishes made with local beef. Marty's Local, a regional food distributor, facilitates the supply of beef sourced from four local farms through Cherry Point Beef, a Western Massachusetts distributor.
