February 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to our February newsletter!
While winter lingers, our work is gaining momentum. Behind the scenes at Frogfoot Farm, we’re planning for the growing season and preparing to welcome volunteers back — work that supports both our on-farm production and the continued growth of our Fields to Families regional gleaning program. Through these farm-to-food relief initiatives, we’re strengthening partnerships and preparing for another season of getting fresh, local food into the hands of our neighbors.
At the same time, the Southcoast Food Policy Council is advancing key legislative priorities through timely issue briefings, and Grow Education students are diving into hands-on lessons, launching new projects, and even sending advocacy postcards to the State House. From farm planning to food access to policy action, there’s a lot happening — and we’re excited to share what’s unfolding this month.
Farming and harvesting fresh produce to feed our neighbors in need
While the fields may look quiet, we’re actively planning our crop schedules, greenhouse work, and volunteer calendar for the season ahead. We expect to begin welcoming volunteers later this month, with a few limited early opportunities for seeding and greenhouse support.
If you’d like to be the first to know when spots open, be sure you’re signed up to volunteer.
A coalition advancing regional food security through equity and sustainable systems
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Advocacy in Action As the legislative session ramps up, the Southcoast Food Policy Council is hosting a series of timely Lunch-and-Learn Issue Briefings to prepare our community before key floor votes take place (February–July). These virtual briefings offer a clear overview of priority bills, funding requests, and how you can help strengthen our regional food system through informed advocacy. Lunch-and-Learn Issue Briefings | All sessions 12:00–1:00 PM | Register Here |
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In addition to our issue briefings, we invite you to join our upcoming SFPC Quarterly Public Meetings, where we share updates, progress, and opportunities for engagement. SFPC Quarterly Meetings | All sessions 12:00–1:00 PM | Register Here |
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Together, we are building momentum for a stronger, more equitable regional food system. Whether you attend a briefing, join a quarterly meeting, or advocate alongside us, your voice matters. We hope to see you at an upcoming session this spring. |
Farm-to-school program promoting health, sustainability, equity, and ecological literacy
Learning, Tasting & Taking Action
Winter learning is in full swing across our Grow Education schools, where hands-on lessons continue connecting students to food, farming, and the environment.
In New Bedford, students explored seed saving and food waste composting while celebrating January’s Harvest of the Month: apples. Through an apple taste test, students examined flavor, texture, and local sourcing—sparking conversations about where food comes from.
Across schools, composting lessons have expanded into a proposed food waste audit, giving students a real-world look at cafeteria waste and its environmental impact. In Westport, students studied the global story of chocolate and launched the Vertigreens project with Lee’s Market.
Advocacy was also front and center, as students sent 330 postcards to the State House in support of Farm to School and Food Literacy legislation—proving that young voices can help shape a healthier food system.
Photos Taken by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.)
Partnership Spotlight: Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.)
Grow Education was thrilled to collaborate with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) through their Food for Thought program, which teaches young people essential cooking skills. During a recent class, students prepared “Three Sisters” tacos while learning about companion planting and Wampanoag agricultural practices—bringing history, culture, and food together in a meaningful way. Partnerships like this strengthen community connections and reinforce the learning happening both in and beyond the classroom.
From taste tests to compost bins to legislative advocacy, Grow Education students are proving that learning grows all year long.
PARTNERSHIP SHOUTOUT
We’re grateful to Arbella Insurance Foundation for their generous grant support — and to Donovan Dunn at Roger Keith & Sons Insurance Agency for bringing this opportunity our way.
Partnerships like these strengthen our mission of reconnecting food and communities, one collaboration at a time!
Craft a meaningful legacy through the Marion Institute’s Legacy Society with planned gifts, impacting our mission in perpetuity.
If you’ve designated a planned gift, or have questions about our Legacy Society, please reach out at legacy@marioninstitute.org or 508-748-0816, ext. 118.
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