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The Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Network is excited to kick off 2025 with a busy and impactful January.
Take a look at what's coming up this month and how you can get involved!
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In this Edition:
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January 6: Applications open for the 2025 Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute
- January 9: Learn more about The Institute during an Informational Webinar
- January 14-16: The Maine Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta
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Applications Open January 6 for the Fourth Annual Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute | |
Be sure to visit The Institute website and keep an eye out for an email with more details. | |
What is The Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute? | |
The Institute supports Maine schools to increase healthy food access, create a culture of equity & wellness, and strengthen their local food systems. | |
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The Institute brings school teams together to build relationships, skills, and a collaborative action plan for Farm & Sea to School (FSTS) programming. Team members leave ready to support one another and implement an FSTS action plan across their school or district—building shared leadership for the long haul. With the support of a Coach, teams spend the Institute year connecting Classroom, Cafeteria, and Community. | |
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Think the Institute could be a good fit for your school community?
Everyone's invited to attend this informational webinar to get all the details you need to get started and learn more.
When: January 9, 2025 3:00 - 4:00pm
Where: Zoom
Who: Anyone interested in learning more about the Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute
What: During this webinar, Institute leaders and participants will give an overview of the Academy-- the Institute's 3-day kick-off event at The Ecology School, share application tips, describe the benefits of taking part in the Institute, and explain next steps for you and your school team. See more background on the Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute on our website.
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Don't Miss MEFTI At The Maine Agricultural Trades Show! | |
January 14-16, 2025 | Augusta Civic Center | Admission Free | |
The Maine Agricultural Trades Show is back for 2025, bringing together farmers, food producers, policymakers, and agricultural enthusiasts for three dynamic days of learning, networking, and collaboration. | |
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This annual event offers an unequaled opportunity to explore, connect, and grow with Maine's agricultural community. showcasing innovative practices, tools, and resources that sustain and grow our vibrant food systems.
This year's Trades Show will feature three full days of learning, networking, and collaboration with more than 70 presentations, workshops, interactive sessions. It is an excellent opportunity for the public and stakeholders to connect and learn together to build Maine’s food future.
Among the many exciting events Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network (MEFTI) is thrilled to be involved in several highlighted sessions.
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Food System Infrastructure Investment Policy Priorities (Jan. 14, 9:00-11:00 AM): Join Maine Policy Work Group members to learn about and help shape policy priorities for the 132nd Legislature that are needed to build an equitable and resilient food system.
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Local Food Buyers and Sellers Meet-Up (Jan. 15, 9:00-11:00 AM): Connect with buyers and sellers in an engaging matchmaking session designed to foster relationships and expand opportunities for Maine’s farmers and institutions. Co-hosted with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF).
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Shaping Maine's Food System through Collaboration (Jan. 15, 1:00-3:00 PM): Dive into the latest advancements in farm to school initiatives, with insights from Full Plates Full Potential, DOE Farm & Sea to School, and other key partners.
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Maine's Second Harvest -Upcycling -Creating New Markets for Maine's Off Grade Crops (Jan. 16, 10:00-11:00 AM): Explore innovative ways to upcycle off-grade crops, creating value-added products and reducing waste.
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The Local Food Switchboard Project - coordinating our local food supply chain and institutional buyers! (Jan. 16, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM): Learn how the Switchboard is connecting local producers with institutional buyers to strengthen Maine’s food supply chain.
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Join us for the 2025 Maine Agricultural Trades Show and participate in the conversations and planning shaping Maine's agricultural future. Explore, connect, and grow with us! | |
MEFTI fosters collective power through collaboration and coordination to strengthen farm and sea 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 our website.
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Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network is supported by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation | Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network is supported by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation | Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture | | |
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is the fiscal and staffing home to the Maine Farm to Institution Network
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For any questions about Maine Farm & Sea to Institution, please contact Healthy Communities of the Capital Area's Food Systems Team Alida Peterson at a.peterson@hccame.org or Sarah Sims at s.sims@hccame.org | | | | |
