2020 Farm to School Grant Awardees - MAINE

“Since 2013, the USDA Farm to School Grant Program has offered annual grants to schools, school districts, nonprofits, state agencies, agricultural producers, and Indian Tribal Organizations to plan, implement, or provide training on farm to school activities. FNS is committed to working with schools and agricultural partners to ensure healthy habits take root in early childhood.” (USDA, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/2020-farm-school-grant-awardees)

Cumberland County Food Security Council - $100,000

The project is based on Cumberland County Food Security Council’s unprecedented school food system assessment, which provided the proposal clear guidance and a solid foundation to support lifelong increased consumption of good local food by Portland, Maine students. The “Local Food Fuels Learning” Farm to School project will increase local procurement in Portland Public Schools by five percent. It will increase participation in school food by the 3,777 students eligible for free and reduced price meals by five percent. The project creates labor efficiencies and adds processing equipment to Central Kitchen to facilitate more local food processing. It involves students in agriculture education, “Good Food Clubs”, menu development, and taste tests. It creates a school food brand that appeals to students, parents and staff.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute - $97,391

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) will increase the amount of local seafood served in schools around New England, thus increasing access to healthy, local protein for students and 21 | Page increasing demand for fish caught by New England fishermen. GMRI will secure pledges from school districts around New England to create a community of schools committed to increasing the amount of seafood they serve. GMRI will also facilitate connections and communication between local seafood processors and school foodservice operators to improve local seafood procurement. Finally, GMRI will provide resources for schools to ensure uptake of local seafood, and will pilot education and engagement strategies to increase seafood consumption.

Maine School Administrative District 30 - $48,415

Maine School Administrative District 30 (MSAD 30) will serve as the lead applicant of a joint Farm to School planning grant for three districts in rural Penobscot County, Maine. MSAD 30, East Millinocket Public Schools, and the Millinocket School Department will use funds to increase local fruit and vegetable procurement and agricultural education for their 972 K-12 students by developing a Farm to School Action Plan.