Our History
Introduction
2023 - 2024 Springfield EATS Report
Partnership is the cornerstone of our work and Springfield EATS is a reflection of that. Springfield EATS’ work this year has been driven by a commitment to expanding access to healthy food, advocating for systemic policy changes, and building capacity for resident engagement and community organizations. With continued support from partners, funders, and community members, we will deepen our impact in the coming year, building local food systems, and improving health outcomes for Springfield’s most vulnerable populations.
2023 - 2024 Mass UP Report
MassUP (now known as Springfield EATS) funding in year 3 enabled partners to come together and coordinate mutual aid efforts during the pandemic. It strengthened collaboration by helping organizations build collective power and share strategies for equity. BIPOC-led organizations in Springfield gained leadership and influence, while white-led groups deepened their antiracist practices and hired more local leaders of color. Partners demonstrated flexibility by creating new roles, piloting innovative projects, and influencing policy, funding streams, and government responses to food insecurity. These efforts also improved systems from healthcare and food pantries to SNAP access and elevated advocacy for programs like HIP.
What we Have Achieved in the City of Springfield
The SFPC, in partnership with Sodexo and the City of Springfield, advocated for and supported the development of the Springfield Culinary Nutrition Center. Now, every student in our city has access to fresh foods cooked from scratch. Watch this video to see the ribbon cutting ceremony as well as hear remarks from Liz Wills-O'Gilvie, the director of the SFPC.
El SFPC, en asociación con Sodexo y la ciudad de Springfield, abogó y apoyó el desarrollo del Centro de Nutrición Culinaria de Springfield. Ahora, todos los estudiantes de nuestra ciudad tienen acceso a alimentos frescos cocinados desde cero. Mire este video para ver la ceremonia de corte de cinta y escuchar los comentarios de Liz Wills-O'Gilvie, directora de SFPC.
Parent Nutrition Class
School Gardens
Beginning in 2014, the SFPC has supported and passed municipal
policy to ensure Springfield school districts have permanent gardens
as well as the integration of gardening into the school curriculum. Gardening engages students by providing a dynamic environment to observe,
discover, experiment, nurture, and learn. School gardens are living laboratories where interdisciplinary lessons are drawn from real-life experiences, encouraging students to become active participants in the learning process.
Why school gardening?
Learning in a school garden teaches the fundamentals of three important issues: nutrition, agriculture, and outdoor activity. Research in support of school gardening shows that:
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Gardening enriches every subject area from arts to social studies, including special education classes.
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Children who learn to grow their own food make healthier decisions about what to eat.
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Gardening teaches cooperation, responsibility and patience, and increases self-esteem.
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Gardens offer a unique way to incorporate the greater community
into school activities. -
Gardens beautify the school and instill pride in students and school staff.
