Strategic Plan 2024 - 2027
BACKGROUND
In 2023, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) convened its two statewide food system networks, Maine Farm to Institution (MEFTI) and the Maine Farm & Sea to School Network (MFSN), for strategic planning . The objective was to assess the most effective pathways forward, pinpoint priority actions, determine focus areas, and propose structural adjustments for both MFSN and MEFTI networks.
Insights were derived from extensive input from more than 130 network members, collected through surveys, in-person planning sessions with MEFTI and MFSN, as well as advisory council meetings. This comprehensive feedback informed the strategic plan which merged the two networks into one unified entity: The Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network and identified top priorities.
IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES
Policy
Advocate for state programs and funding that expand resources and long-term sustainability, strengthening the network’s capacity to achieve all shared goals.
Matchmaking: Increase Connections and Buying
Expand network representation, deepen connections between farmers/producers and buyers, and raise awareness of local purchasing to increase demand for Maine-grown and harvested products.
Technical Assistance and Training
Provide targeted training and support to producers and buyers, with a focus on local procurement practices such as forward contracting, scratch cooking, and addressing cross-sector challenges.
Farm and Sea to School Institute
The Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute is a major collaborative effort of the Maine Farm to School Network and advances Farm to School in K-12 Schools in Maine.
Processing
This priority is system and infrastructure focused with the overall goal to identify processing-related interventions that generate high impact shifts towards getting more local, culturally nourishing food to institutional and other markets.
Network Summits
Host multi-sector gatherings that support the mission of HCCA food systems networks by fostering networking, sharing best practices, and providing collaborative learning and training opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this strategic planning process to re-imagine two of Maine's key food system networks. From here, the networks embark on trying out a new combined network structure to test if a shared network structure and communications effectively bolsters efficiencies and stronger outcomes of network initiatives. It takes everyone's involvement and support to have a successful, thriving network to move the needle on our local food systems efforts. We are heartened by robust participation in this process. There are so many ways to engage and benefit from being a part of the Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Network moving forward - we can’t wait to see you there!