BPS makes $17M deal for better food

Boston Public Schools is entering into a $17 million contract with a local business with an eye on providing better food for students.

BPS and Mayor Michelle Wu announced the contract with City Fresh Foods, which, at $17 million, is the largest signed with a Black-owned business outside of construction, at a Wednesday morning press conference.

The city says the Roxbury-based business, starting July 1, will provide “high-quality and nutrient-rich meals” for the district’s nearly 50,000 kids, including breakfast, lunch, after-school meals and snacks, plus food over the summer.

“Transformative change for BPS starts with the everyday experiences of our students, and this new contract ensures every child will have access to nutritious foods to energize and nourish them through the day,” Wu said in a statement. “We’re proud to partner with a local, Roxbury-based, Black-owned business to deliver for our young people.”

The company is headquartered on Shirley Street, where the city says all meals will be made “with nutritious ingredients, including locallysourced food.”