Mission
The Maine Farm & Sea to School Network mission is to build a communication and coordination infrastructure at the school and community level to support farm to school programs throughout Maine.
The 3 Pillars of Farm to School
WHAT IS FARM TO SCHOOL?
Farm to school is a three-pronged approach that incorporates agricultural-based education, hands-on learning through school gardens, and increased access to fresh, local foods through local procurement by school meal programs. Farm to school strategies are shown to improve fruit and vegetable consumption, increase knowledge about food origins, improve academic achievement, and support the local economy.
MFSN Structure & Support
How are we organized?
The Maine Farm and Sea to School Network (MFSN) is a statewide collaborative of farm to school practitioners, advocates, and supporters. It operates under the leadership and oversight of the Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Network (MEFTI), serving as its umbrella network. MFSN is Maine’s official chapter of the National Farm to School Network and an active member of both the Northeast Farm to School Collaborative and Farm to Institution New England
The Network is guided by MEFTI’s Leadership Council who meet monthly and serve on subcommittees that advance MFSN’s strategic priorities. Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) serves as the fiscal and staffing home for the Network. MFSN’s work is made possible through generous support from the Henry P. Kendall Foundation and a range of event sponsors.
What does it mean to be a member of the Maine Farm & Sea to School Network?
As a member of the Maine Farm & Sea to School Network, you will be kept up to date on statewide Farm & Sea to School initiatives through our newsletter (Sign up below). You are encouraged to share your farm to school initiatives among the network!
You will be invited to join us and/or present at the Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Summit, as well as join in on Strategic Planning events to guide the future of the Farm to School Movement.
