Full Plates Full Potential was awarded $10 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase the use of local ingredients in school meals and ensure school nutrition professionals have the resources and equipment needed to use them. $8.5 million will go directly to Maine school districts and partners working to strengthen farm and sea-to-school connections and get more local foods onto kids’ plates.
Here’s how this grant will support the local school food system in Maine:
School Food System Innovation Subgrants
7 projects were awarded funds to pilot innovative and collaborative projects to strengthen the local school food system.
Culinary Skills for School Meals Training
Provided by Let’s Go, these hands-on trainings give school nutrition professionals the foundational food service skills they need to incorporate more scratch cooking and local items into their menus.
Farm to School Support
The Maine Farm to Institution Network will be hosting farm to school trainings, convenings, and a statewide conference. Planning is in process so check back soon for details!
About the USDA Healthy Meals Incentives School Food System Transformation Challenge: These sub-grants support collaborative projects between school districts, food producers, suppliers, distributors, and/or community partners to stimulate the creation of a resilient, equitable, and nutritious school food system. Learn more.
About Full Plates Full Potential: Full Plates is a nonprofit that works to strengthen child nutrition programs as critical tools for ending childhood food insecurity in Maine. We provide funding and assistance to meal programs that feed kids now, while also advocating for lasting systems change and working towards a future where Full Plates does not need to exist. Learn more.