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"Good Things in Maine" Campaign

Each newsletter the Maine Food Strategy highlights a program, organization, or event that represents positive changes and good work happening in Maine food. 

 

This month: 

Plant now, harvest later... But mostly plant now. 

 

Plant Something Weekend! June 22, 23, and 24
From the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association (MELNA) 

 
What you can do:
  • Visit PlantSomethingMaine.org for info and inspiration
  • Download the Plant Something Maine Mobile App for a garden center or landscaper directory
  • Visit Your Local Independent Garden Center to get the best plant material, advice, and service for the most success!
And by all means....Plant Something!
  • Plant for Community - Plant for a local food pantry, or for your neighbors and swap crops. 
  • Plant for Better Health - Gardening is a great exercise!
  • Plant for Your Family - Spend time together creating a flower or vegetable garden and eat fresh all season long.
  • Plant for Economic Value - Landscaping your home can increase property value. Sit back and enjoy the scenery!
  • Plant for the Environment - Decrease pollutants, reduce storm runoff, and preserve habitat. Plant for Pollinators.
  

The Economic Development Council Webinar Series!
Easy access to information on growing food businesses

 
The Economic Development Strategy Council has developed a webinar series to create easy access to information and resources for small businesses and producers who are trying to scale up. These webinars feature business-to-business presentations. 

The first webinar "Pricing for Small Businesses and Producers" was a success! We sincerely thank our presenters and participants for the good topics and questions. Find the audio recording and presentation slides here. 

 
 
Register here for our second webinar:

Building Effective Relationships that Lead to Sales
May 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Featuring discussions from
 Forager and Heiwa Tofu
Learn about effective strategies for connecting with buyers
that build trust and increase sales


Space is limited; registration open until May 24.
The Economic Development Strategy Council partnered with the University of Southern Maine Food Studies Program to research technical assistance needs for Maine food businesses working to expand.

Students conducted interviews to learn how businesses have successfully scaled-up, and what can be learned for new businesses looking to do the same. The Maine Food Strategy and other supporters attended the final presentations to hear the results. 

The reports will be put up on our website - stay tuned!
Graduate students from the Food Policy and Planning Class at the University of Southern Maine Food Studies program, along with Rosemont Market owner John Nalor, Professor Jamie Picardy, Maine Food Strategy steering committee member Michele DesAutels, and staff member Sandy Gilbreath.
In other Council Updates, the Vibrant Communities Council is working with the Maine Farm to School Network to help develop programs better connecting local Maine products with school cafeterias. These programs promote healthy eating and support farms and food businesses. 

The Healthy Food for All Council is developing a resource guide for food access points and nutrition programs. The group is working with the
Maine Health Districts to gather and disseminate information, and the
Maine Food Atlas to act as the platform for use.


Strategy Councils were organized in 2017 to implement collaborative projects that advance goals in the Maine Food Strategy Framework. The groups are voluntary and comprised of individuals working in various sectors and food businesses. 
Contact us for more information or to get involved!
  
The Maine Food Strategy was pleased to help facilitate sessions at the Maine Network of Community Food Councils Summit in April. Participants engaged in a series of enthusiastic discussions on strengthening relationships and connectivity in our food system and a variety of other topics. The Summit also marked the formal departure of long-time network coordinator Ken Morse who formerly handed off the baton to new staff, Brianna Bowman.  Thank you, Ken, for leading this important group!

Food Councils are locally organized groups working on issues such as food insecurity and increasing awareness of local food production in their communities. Many of these groups meet monthly through the Maine Network of Community Food Councils to share information and resources. FMI contact mainefoodcouncils@gmail.com.
Results of a discussion on why networks are important. What is most important to you?
Did you know?

The Maine Food Strategy website has a portal for events around New England relating to food.

The calendar is powered by The New England Sustainable Agricultural Working Group (NESAWG), and is linked to other shared calendars around New England. Just head over to the MFS homepage, and choose to view the calendar. From there you can find events and input your own that will populate on other calendars around New England.
Thank you to all who are helping to build connections in Maine’s food system.
 
We are grateful to our generous funders: The Henry P. Kendall Foundation, The Island Foundation, The Betterment Fund, and Sandy River Charitable Foundation.

Sincerely,
The Maine Food Strategy Staff, Steering Committee and Councils
Become a Food System Fan today!
Demonstrate your support for a stronger Maine Food System - sign the Maine Food Strategy Pledge here!

Taking the Pledge shows
your support for a food system that builds communities, local economies and a healthier environment. Share your story about how you engage in Maine's food system on the Maine Food Strategy website. Tell us about your Maine seafood shopping, gardening regimen, or support of community food policy. Maybe you utilize a food pantry, or visit local farms. We want to hear it all!


Click here to become a Food System Fan and take the Pledge today.
 
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The Maine Food Strategy is fiscally sponsored by
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89 SOUTH STREET, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA  02111-2680

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