Local Food Fuels Learning 

In July of 2020, the Cumberland County Food Security Council in partnership with Portland Public Schools, was awarded a USDA Farm to School Implementation Grant  for its proposal, "Local Food Fuels Learning." The main objective of this proposal is to promote school food emphasizing local, fresh, and nutritious by building upon the strong foundation of work established through the Food Fuels Learning network and model. The values of this project are rooted in equity, community empowerment, and relationship building. 

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• Goal A: By June 2022, increase local food procurement for PPS nutrition programs by 5%. 
  • Objectives include analyzing current purchasing, improving kitchen efficiencies, increasing infrastructure for local food processing
  • Working with consultants Chef Sam and Jed Beach, FarmSmart Maine
• Goal B: Launch PPS Food Service branding and marketing campaign that highlights scratch-cooked meals, local food, and local producers. 
  • Objectives include continuing with branding and marketing campaign work, expanding upon cafeteria as a classroom model, increasing opportunities to celebrate local food in school meals
• Goal C: Increase opportunities and support for food and agricultural education in PPS. 
  • Objectives include activities to promote student engagement and excitement about school meals and local foods, expanding experiential learning opportunities, service projects that support farm to school

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Press

• USDA to help Maine schools develop local food projects, WABI Bangor 
• Several Maine organization to receive grant money through "Farm to School" program, WMTW
• Collins, King Announce Nearly $250,000 to increase Local Food in Maine Schools, Susan Collins 
• Federal "Farm to School" program intended to connect students with food programs, Morning Ag Clips
• USDA Farm to School 2020 Grantees List

Questions or Comments?

If you would like to know more, or are interested in collaborating with us on this project, please reach out to Farm to School Project Director, Kristina Kalolo at kristina@ccfoodsecurity.org.