The Boston Transportation Department may be focused on keeping the city moving, but another department within Boston Public Schools is driving a different kind of movement – a food revolution in schools. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services has been recognized as a leader in farm-to-school efforts, earning them the prestigious “Kale Blazer” award from Massachusetts Farm to School. This accolade celebrates their dedication to bringing fresh, locally sourced foods and enriching food education to students across the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Farm to School has been presenting the “Kale Blazer” awards since 2016, honoring individuals who are champions of farm-to-school programs. These are the innovators and leaders who are making tangible differences in school food systems. This year, two outstanding individuals from the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Office of Food and Nutrition Services, Anneliese Tanner and Heidi Rivera, have been named Kale Blazers. They share this honor with Kerrita Mayfield from Amherst Regional Public Schools and former State Representative Paul Schmid, all recognized for their significant contributions to the farm-to-school movement in Massachusetts.
Anneliese Tanner, the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Boston Public Schools, has been a driving force since assuming her role in 2023. Overseeing food service for 45,000 students in 125 schools, Tanner has made remarkable progress in prioritizing local food sourcing. Her leadership is evident in the significant strides Boston Public Schools has made in implementing the Good Food Purchasing Program. This citywide initiative, spearheaded by the City of Boston’s Office of Food Justice, leverages the substantial purchasing power of municipal institutions to promote social, environmental, and economic well-being through food procurement. Tanner is well on her way to achieving Boston Public Schools’ ambitious goal of sourcing 30% local food. Furthermore, her initiatives are deeply rooted in providing culturally relevant meals, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive dining experience for every student. Aliza Wasserman, Director of the City of Boston Office of Food Justice, praised Tanner’s vision and impact, stating, “Anneliese’s work leading BPS Food & Nutrition Services has provided a steady and strategic vision to ensure students have a nutritious taste of home at school and that we are buying food that helps support regional farmers, values workers and protects our climate and farmland. Her expertise, creativity and dedication have already made significant strides for BPS students in less than two years.”
Heidi Rivera, Cafeteria Manager at Henderson Inclusion Upper School, exemplifies the crucial role of individual dedication within school kitchens in advancing the farm-to-school movement. Rivera is celebrated for cultivating a warm and inclusive cafeteria atmosphere, encouraging students to embrace healthy, locally sourced food options. A colleague noted, “She is an amazing asset to our inclusion school community, ensuring every day that students feel welcome and supported in the cafeteria.” This positive and supportive cafeteria culture plays a vital role in encouraging students to try new, healthy, local foods, which in turn supports their well-being and learning throughout the school day.
These “Kale Blazer” honorees are making a significant impact across various facets of the food system, from school nutrition and education to broader policy changes. They represent the dedication within Massachusetts to building a more inclusive and sustainable food system for all.
Simca Horwitz, Co-Director of Mass. Farm to School, emphasized the importance of these awards: “Through the Kale Blazer award, we are honored to recognize the local heroes who are strengthening the food system in Massachusetts. From educating the next generation of climate leaders, to championing public investment in farm to school programs, and changing the ways schools source and prepare meals, the 2025 Farm to School Kale Blazers are an inspiration to us all.”
Massachusetts Farm to School, established in 2004, is committed to strengthening local farms and fisheries while fostering healthier communities. They achieve this by promoting local food procurement and education within schools. The organization offers essential training, technical assistance, and advocacy to support farm-to-school initiatives throughout the state, building lasting connections between local food producers and educational institutions. For more information, please visit www.massfarmtoschool.org.
