Maine Students Learn, Sample Local Fare with FoodCorps

By Alexander Violo, The Lincoln County News

Photo by Alexander Violo

Students at Miller School and Medomak Middle School in Waldoboro are growing produce, learning about food and nutrition, and sampling meals made with healthy, local ingredients as part of the national FoodCorps program.

FoodCorps utilizes the cafeteria, classrooms, field trips, and outdoor activities to introduce students to healthy foods and foster their interest in nutrition.

A national service organization affiliated with AmeriCorps, FoodCorps connects kids to healthy food in school so they can lead healthier lives and reach their full potential, according to the nonprofit organization’s website.

A recent graduate from the University of Maine at Orono, Jared Grenier, is the FoodCorps service member at RSU 40. He is based in Waldoboro and spends his time at district schools, including Miller School and Medomak Middle School.

Grenier is a native of Albion and a graduate of Lawrence High School in Fairfield. After training in Portland, Ore., he returned to Maine and his two-year assignment to RSU 40.

“FoodCorps places service members in high-need areas across the country,” Grenier said.

Grenier’s inspiration to join FoodCorps came from his family. His mother is the executive director of Maine Agriculture in the Classroom, and he grew up on a farm and participated in 4-H.