Newsletter

August 2025

Stay up to date with upcoming opportunities, events, resources, and news on the continuing work of Farm to Institution across the State of Maine.

In This Edition

1. MEFTI Summit Registration is open! REGISTER NOW
2. CALLING LOCAL PRODUCERS - Exhibit at the MEFTI Summit Local Food Show
3. Upcoming Farm to Institution Field Trips
4. 2025-2026 Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute Academy Program

Have an event, job, or news to share? Contact s.sims@hccame.org

Registration is now open for the 2025 MEFTI Summit!

Keep an eye out for program details and agenda coming out soon

RFP Update

Thank you to everyone who responded to our call for proposals! We received many thoughtful and inspiring session submissions. The MEFTI Summit organizing team is currently reviewing all proposals and will be in touch later this August.

We’re grateful for your time, energy, and the important work you do.

There is still space for Maine producers to exhibit at the Local Food Show at the MEFTI Summit

Are you a farmer or producer looking to expand your markets? Interested in connecting with food service professionals, local food system advocates, school and other institutional buyers?

Join us as an exhibitor at the Local Food Show, part of the 2025 MEFTI Summit.



This is your opportunity to:

• Network with institutional buyers and food service professionals
• Build valuable skills for entering new markets
• Connect with food system advocates from across Maine and beyond

Don't miss this chance to grow your business and make new connections.

To learn more or reserve your spot, contact MEFTI Program Associate Sarah Sims at s.sims@hccame.org.

Upcoming Field Trips with MEFTI

🗓️ Date: August 18, 2025

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 Location: Auburn Middle School, 38 Falcon Dr, Auburn, ME 04210

🍴 Lunch Provided at 12:00 PM

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the Lewiston Auburn Lisbon School-Based Food Hub!

This special MEFTI field trip includes:

• A tour of their processing kitchen
• A visit to one of their top local food suppliers just down the road
• A chance to see local food processing and preserving in action
• An open Q&A with Chris from the Hub team

Spots are limited to 15 participants—first come, first served.

Sea to Institution on Portland's Working Waterfront

🗓️ Date: August 28, 2025

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

📍 Location: Portland, Maine

Dive into Sea-to-School with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Maine Coast Fishermen's Association for an engaging tour of Portland's Working Waterfront. Susan Olcott (MCFA) and Sophie Scott (GMRI) will share stories from cafeterias around the state and show attendees what it takes to bring fish from the Gulf of Maine to student's trays. 

Email MEFTI coordinator Alida Peterson at a.peterson@hccame.org to sign up for the tour

2025-2026 Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute kicked off in July at The Ecology School in Saco, Maine

We were thrilled to welcome Portland School District, Great Salt Bay Community School, Montello Elementary School, and many others to the Ecology School in Saco, Maine for the 2025-2026 Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute Academy program!

The Maine Farm to School Institute is a yearlong professional development program for Maine schools, districts, and early childhood education centers to strengthen Farm to School in their communities.

We could not be more excited to kick off the fourth year of this program in Maine and are so grateful for our amazing sponsors and partners that support this transformational professional development opportunity for K-12 schools and Early Childhood Education Centers.

More photos and updates to come!

Upcoming F2I Events Calendar

For any questions about Maine Farm & Sea to Institution, please contact Healthy Communities of the Capital Area's Food Systems Coordinator

Alida Peterson at a.peterson@hccame.org

MEFTI fosters collective power through collaboration and coordination to strengthen farm to institution efforts in Maine. By addressing systemic challenges and supporting public health, education, and the local food economy, MEFTI catalyzes a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system that benefits all. To Learn more, visit mainefarmtoinstitution.org

Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture

Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network is supported by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation

Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network is supported by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation