MEFTI Workgroups

The Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Network brings together cross-sector workgroups to tackle challenges and advance the priorities outlined in the strategic plan. The workgroups unite diverse stakeholders from across the state—who share a common vision for change.

Institutional Buying and Selling WG

Co-facilitated by MEFTI and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF), this workgroup brings together individuals and organizations to identify, create, and promote opportunities for local food producers and institutional buyers to connect. We aim to strengthen relationships, streamline processes, and create opportunities that benefit both producers and Institutions.

Processing WG

The Processing Work Group is co-facilitated by MEFTI and the Maine Food Convergence project, and convenes monthly to identify processing-related interventions that generate high impact shifts towards getting more local, culturally nourishing food to institutional and other markets

To join our communications list, or attend monthly workgroup meetings for updates on upcoming processing-related grants and collaboration opportunities email Alida Peterson @ a.peterson@hccame.org

Maine Food Policy Workgroup

The Policy Workgroup’s primary goal is to monitor and influence food policy, with a key focus on Maine legislation, as well as municipal and federal initiatives. It aims to keep Maine’s food system stakeholders informed and engaged. The Policy workgroup meets monthly, where advocates share updates and insights on key initiatives, with the ultimate goal of demystifying the legislative process and encouraging broader public participation in policy creation.

The Maine Food Policy Workgroup was founded in 2019 by Coastal Enterprises, Inc., the Maine Farm to School & Institution Networks, and Maine’s Network of Community Food Councils. Since then, it has expanded to include many other individuals and organizations.

We invite you to join our efforts. For more information or to find out how you can get involved, please contact the Policy Workgroup co-coordinators:

Training and Technical Support

This workgroup serves as a collaborative hub for designing, coordinating, and delivering effective training programs that support local procurement and strengthen Maine’s food systems. By bringing together internal and external partners—including organizations like Let’s Go!, Cooperative Extension, DOE, DACF, HCCA, FoodCorps, and Full Plates Full Potential—we create a unified space to plan, share resources, and align efforts.

Our work focuses on developing impactful training initiatives such as Culinary Bootcamps, Forward Contracting Training, and Agricultural Trade Shows. We also build on training led by MFSN subgroups and provide educational support for programs like Harvest of the Month. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, this workgroup ensures that training and technical assistance are accessible and tailored to the needs of our communities.

Maine Farm & Sea to School

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. Learn more at mainefarmtoschool.org