Maine Farm to School Network will host conference Oct. 4

CLINTON — The Maine Farm to School Network at Healthy Communities of the Capital Area will host the sixth Maine Farm to School Conference 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. at Kennebec Valley Community College, Alfond Campus.
Farm to school advocates across the state will particpate in a day full of learning, networking and local foods. This year’s conference theme is “Innovations in Farm to School,” with workshops focused on creative and inventive projects to advance agricultural education, school gardens, and local food procurement in schools.
“We are excited to be offering diverse perspectives and strategies in this year’s workshop offerings,” said Stephanie Cesario, MFSN coordinator. “The workshops are geared towards both beginning farm-to-school programs and robust programs — from school garden fundraising to building a classroom aquaponics system,” she added.
The conference will feature a keynote address from Bertrand Weber, director of Minneapolis Public Schools Culinary and Wellness Services, who has transformed the city’s school cafeterias to sourcing fresh, local food while reducing food waste. Visit mainefarmtoschool.org/conference to register and learn more about the workshops and the keynote speaker.
With the support of a USDA Farm to School Training Grant, the Maine Farm to School Network is also offering a free pre-conference workshop at the same location from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, focusing on the ins and outs of local food procurement in schools. School food service directors, food producers, and other farm to school stakeholders will learn local procurement rules and strategies to increase the amount of local foods served in Maine school meals.
Participants will learn how to maximize programs like Maine Harvest of the Month and the Local Produce Fund, as well as connect with a network of professionals across the state. Scholarships are available to assist with travel and substitutes for this free half-day training–register to reserve your spot today at mainefarmtoschool.org/conference
Learn more about the Maine Farm to School Conference, the Pre-Conference Training, and Maine’s Farm to School initiatives at mainefarmtoschool.org.