Maine
Farm to School News
October 2019
Thank You for Joining Us at the 2019 Conference!

Check back HERE for more conference photos and
highlights coming soon

Share your voice to help guide future events: fill out the evaluation here !

Didn't get to attend the Local Food Procurement Training?
We've uploaded resources from the training here !
Thank you Bertrand for joining us from Minneapolis-- follow his work HERE
and HERE, and connect with him HERE
Thank you to our Conference Sponsors!
USDA Farm to School Grant Program
Maine Department of Education
Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council
Fedco Seeds
Farm to Institution New England
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
to Find Resources, Activities, and Celebration Ideas for your School!

Contact Stephanie at s.cesario@hccame.org for free stickers and posters for your classroom or cafeteria!

October is Maine Apples Month !
So far there are 30 districts and 182 schools participating – and counting!

Contact Jenn So to learn more about participating in Harvest of the Month
Share your Harvest of the Month photos & stories on Instagram @hom.maine #mainehom


Partner News and Opportunities

State of Maine



  • SeedMoney Garden Grants accepting applications for school and other types of community gardens - Apply by November 12th



Regional + National




  • Child Nutrition Reauthorization bills to follow - Learn more and join MFSN in Taking Action
  1. The Farm to School Act of 2019 would increase funding for the USDA's Farm to School Grant Program;
  2. The School Food Modernization Act, legislation to help update school kitchens with new equipment;
  3. The Kids Eat Local Act supports local sourcing of school food, and is co-sponsored by Maine's Senator Collins and Representative Pingree.

National Funding Opportunities


  • KidsGardening and Klorane Botanical Foundation's 2020 Budding Botanist Grant to plan or expand a school garden - Apply by November 8th

  • Get Schools Cooking Grant provides school districts with the operational foundation to transition their Food & Nutrition Service Departments from a heat & serve model to scratch cooking - Apply by October 28th
October Recipe Highlight:

Creative Ways to Serve Up
Apples with Kids

Who says nachos have to be savory and spicy? This fruity version is packed with nutritious ingredients to keep little ones feeling full and focused during their morning classes. Serve up a batch for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!

Ingredients
  • 4 apples (any variety), sliced into thin rings or any preferred shape
  • 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1/4 cup crunchy granola
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
Preparation
  • Layer apple slices on a plate.
  • Add yogurt into a zip-top plastic bag and shake it into a corner. Cut a small hole to create a makeshift piping tip.
  • Pipe the yogurt all over the apples, creating kid-friendly swivels and designs. 
  • Then, sprinkle on granola, raisins and coconut flakes. Serve immediately. 
Slicing apples into rings and topping with a hit of protein and healthy fat creates an easy open-faced apple "sandwich." This combo will keep your student full until their next meal.

1/2 apple, sliced into 2 rounds
3 tbsp. almond butter
1.5 tbsp. seeds: pumpkin, chia, pomegranate, flax, hemp, sunflower, all work great!

Directions
Spread apple slices with almond butter and sprinkle with pomegranate and chia seeds.

Do you have Maine Farm to School news, events, and opportunities to share? Please contact us and we will share & highlight your news!
Now Recruiting Leadership Council Members and Committee Members - Learn more about getting involved!

Building a communication and coordination infrastructure at the school and community level to support farm to school programs throughout Maine.

EDUCATION + PROCUREMENT + SCHOOL GARDENS