Harvest of the Month
The Maine Harvest of the Month (HOM) is a campaign that helps to promote the use of seasonally available, local products in schools, institutions, and communities. The program, which highlights a different Maine product each month, aims to provide students with local and healthy produce, while supporting Maine’s farmers and producers. This program is run by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), and is a great introduction for schools and childcare sites who are interested in local procurement. For resources and more information, visit the Maine DOE child nutrition page here.
Farm to School Toolkit
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/planning-toolkit-intro-farm-school-planning-and-building-team
The USDA Farm to School Toolkit includes an 11-part series on how to start and successfully run a farm to school program. Here you will find webinars and resources that go over topics such as food safety, finding and buying local foods, school gardens, and everything you’ll need to get going with your school!
USDA Farm to School (F2S) Grant
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/farm-school-grant-program
On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA’s Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts. These highly-competitive grants have been awarded to many Maine schools and organizations working to improve access to fresh, local foods for our children. Learn more about USDA Farm to School Grants and recent Maine recipients here.
Sea to School Guide
This resource was developed by Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts Farm to School Networks through a 2016 Innovation Award from the National Farm to School Network. It is an incredible guide to help schools consider including local proteins on their menus! In addition to this resource, check out the Fishermen Feeding Mainers Program, a project with the Maine Coast Fishermen Association and the Maine DOE to supply fresh, locally-caught and processed fish to schools and food pantries around the state.
Maine Farm and Sea to School Network
https://www.mainefarmtoschoolnetwork.org/
The Maine Farm and Sea to School Network is a collaboration among farm to school practitioners, advocates, and supporters. 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. Their website is full of resources, support, and ways to get involved with farm to school initiatives in Maine.