Food Systems

― PROGRAMS ―

Food systems are the interconnected processes and people involved in producing, processing, distributing, accessing, preparing, and consuming food. These systems play a critical role in public health, shaping access to nutritious foods, influencing dietary habits, supporting local economies, and affecting environmental conditions that impact community well-being.

  • Support the Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Network (MEFTI)

  • Improve health outcomes through healthy eating

  • Increase the amount of locally sourced Maine food in institutional meals

  • Support Maine’s economy

  • Develop an understanding of food origins

  • Become more reliant on the local food system

HCCA works with community partners to:

Farm & Sea to Institution

HCCA is home to the Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network (MEFTI), whose role is to catalyze a social impact network focused on farm to institution in Maine to build a healthy and sustainable regional food system.

Farm-to-institution programs connect schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and other organizations with local food, improving access to fresh, nutritious foods while supporting community health and local economies.

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Farm and Sea to Institution Workgroups

Maine Farm and Sea to Institution brings together stakeholders to advance the network’s strategic priorities and advance Farm to Institution in Maine.

  • Institutional Buying and Selling

  • Local Food Processing

  • Food Policy

  • Training and Technical Support

  • Farm & Sea to School

Learn more

Farm & Sea to School

The Maine Farm & Sea to School Network mission is to build a communication and coordination infrastructure at the school and community level to support farm to school programs throughout Maine.

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Learn more

Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute

Professional Development Opportunity for Maine Schools, School Districts, and Early Childhood Education centers (ECEs)

Interested in learning more?

CONTACT

Alida Peterson
Food Systems Coordinator
Email: a.peterson@hccame.org

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HCCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is funded through charitable donations from people like you. Thank you for your generous support as we work to better local communities in Maine.

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