Maine

Maine is the second state in the nation—and the first in the northeast region—to pass free school meals for all. Building on this success, FoodCorps’ focus in Maine is on institutionalizing experiential learning opportunities related to gardens, food, and agriculture. The proposed Maine Experiential Education Program aims to create food educator positions in every school district across the state. Together, these complementary policies support academic, physical, and emotional development for students, while fostering a nourishing and engaging school food environment.

In a major step forward, LD 550, the bill establishing the Maine Experiential Education Program, was successfully passed. This legislation creates a grant program within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry to fund staff positions in public schools that deliver outdoor and hands-on learning experiences—particularly those tied to food, farming, and gardening. The program also supports professional development for educators and provides administrative funding for its implementation. FoodCorps was proud to support the passage of this landmark bill, which positions Maine as a leader in linking food education to student health and success.