MFSC has created several resources to help schools put out RFPs for local food, as well as instructions on how to use them. This array of forward contracting materials was a MEFTI Innovation Grant project.

As part of the federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding (CRF), up to $100,000 is available to reimburse Maine food and agriculture businesses for infrastructure purchases or projects addressing supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses include farms, food and beverage processors and producers, distributors, aggregators and co-packers. The Agriculture and Food Processing Infrastructure Reimbursement Program was created in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and is being administered by Coastal Enterprises, Inc (CEI). Funding can be used to reimburse eligible costs, including equipment purchases and capital projects, incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 18, 2020. 

Contact Jenn Stein, CEI food systems business advisor at jenn.stein@ceimaine.org with questions.

Please email mainenutritioncouncil@gmail.com with questions. Registrations for the virtual event will open online early in 2021. The MNC board realizes that times are difficult right now. The pandemic has posed many challenges for the Council as well! With the loss of membership fees and other conference expenses, your support would surely be appreciated. 

As School Meal Programs Go Broke, a Renewed Call for Universal Free Lunch By Lisa Held, Civil Eats’ Senior policy reporter

Making Reopening Schools Easier With Farm to School Programs

By Conor Flyod of the Brattleboro Reformer

Maine Farm and Seafood Products Directory details what local food is available across the state and what alternative pick-up options producers are using during COVID-19.

Maine specific COVID-19 resources for farmers and fishers can be found on our website.