Maine

Our Host Organization

University of Maine Cooperative Extension has been committed to healthy kids, food production and building tomorrow’s leaders for over 95 years. With staff housed in all 16 counties, they work closely with community partners to meet the needs of Maine citizens using research-based knowledge. Maine has a very high level of collaboration supporting its rapidly spreading Farm to School movement.

Why Serve in Maine?

Maine is much more than lobster and blueberries (although it's no small feat to produce over 90% of the nation's supply of lobsters and blueberries). With more coastline than California, over 3,000 islands, 17 million acres of forest, and the mile high Mt. Katahdin, it's easy to find your niche in Maine.

Maine offers a small town experience within a strong statewide community. Maine offers a small town experience within a strong statewide community; the agriculture community is strong, vibrant, and connected. Maine is home to employee-owned Johnny's Selected Seeds, advocate and farmer Eliot Coleman, and the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA).

Although E.B. White said “I would really rather feel bad in Maine than feel good anywhere else,” FoodCorps is working hard to make feeling good, eating well, and growing up healthy more accessible and achievable in Maine. Fifteen percent of Mainers--and one in four children--are considered 'food insecure.' When the statewide average of children receiving federally-subsidized meals is at 46% (some districts are as high as 99%), the work of FoodCorps service members is tangible, essential, and effective. Maine's statewide and community partners have a long history of working together to build and support the Farm to School movement and are thrilled to have FoodCorps Members serving with Maine schools.