Maine

Food Policy

Maine

Food Policy

The Maine Food Policy Work Group

The Maine Food Policy Work Group was formed in early 2019 by representatives from Maine Farm to Institution, FoodCorps Maine, Maine Network of Community Food Councils, CEI and others. The goal is to monitor Food Policy work, with a key focus on Maine Legislation, along with municipal and federal initiatives, in order to inform Maine's food system stakeholders and encourage advocacy for Good Food Policy. The Work Group is supported by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation with funds coming through Maine Farm to Institution (MEFTI). Healthy Communities of the Capital Area is the home for MEFTI.

Demysitifying the legislative process, so that grassroots activists can make their views and voices heard, is a key strategy for this work. With over 2000 Bills submitted to each Maine session, it can be overwhelming for folks to identify Bills they wish to support or oppose. Early in 2021, "The Maine Food Policy News" was launched weekly to inform people as over 100 Food-related Bills get introduced, directed to key Committees for Hearings and Work Sessions, and then move forward through the Legislature into Laws.

This website aims to supplement the weekly Maine Food Policy News to make the legislative process more accessible so that concerned citizens can identify and follow Bills, and take action through testimony, communication with Legislators, and education and advocating for others to also support (or oppose) key initiatives.

Together we can build a Maine food system that fosters the wellbeing of people, communities and our planet. Good Food Policy can catalyze public support for a thriving Maine food system that is equitable, just, and regenerative. This site aims to give you tools to help create this vision.

We're still building this site, so please check back soon.

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