There has been a lot of food system policy work done in Maine and nationally this spring. Here are a few recent articles to help you learn more about what has passed, what is still pending, and some of the perspectives on impacts of the legislation and funding.
You can find the public hearing schedule and bill details here. You can also search by subject area here.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, if you are interested in helping keep compile food system policy information for our region - please contact us!
Amanda Beal, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry profile
An Act To Prevent Food Shaming in Maine's Public Schools (passed in Apr. 2019). PDF
Bill to End Food Insecurity in Maine by 2030 (passed in May 2019). Bill text. News Story.
Right to Food constitutional amendment (pending passage with amendments). Bill text. News story.
News story about the funding for Mainers Feeding Mainers program.
News story about pending federal funding for local farms.
Perspective on the trade negotiations with China and impacts on Maine’s lobster industry.