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

 

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 monthly 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 biennial Maine Farm to School Conference, as well as join in on Strategic Planning events to guide the future of the Farm to School Movement.

  • You will have the opportunity to offer input and to contribute to the work of the Maine Farm & Sea to School Network by joining one of our Subcommittees— apply to get more involved at any time!

 
 

How are we organized?

The MFSN is a collaboration among farm to school practitioners, advocates, and supporters. This network is the Maine chapter to the National Farm to School Network, the Northeast Farm to School Collaborative, and Farm to Institution New England. The Network is guided by a Leadership Council of farm to school stakeholders who meet monthly and participate on one or more subcommittees that support the strategic priorities. Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) is the fiscal and staffing home for MFSN. MFSN is predominantly supported by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and through numerous sponsors of MFSN events.