Maine Harvest Lunch

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The Maine Harvest Lunch Program
The Maine Harvest Lunch program was developed in 2003 as a collaborative project between the District, the Gorham School Nutrition Program, Gorham teachers and parent volunteers, PROP’s Communities Promoting Health Coalition, and Farm Fresh Connection.

The event started in the Gorham school system, and emphasizes the importance of locally grown foods through both education and a school lunch menu consisting of all locally produced ingredients.  On this day, the average distance food travels between field and fork is reduced from 2,500 miles to less than 300 miles.

Prior to the lunch, students learn about the importance of supporting a strong local food system through a curriculum unique to the program. The lessons emphasize that by reducing the distance our food travels, we eat food that is fresher, more nutritious, helps to preserve open space, reduces fuel use, and ultimately keep jobs in Maine.  Historically, students also participate in a district-wide creative poster contest to illustrate the importance of eating foods grown near their home. 

The Maine Harvest Lunch program has been extremely successful.  In 2006, the First Lady, Karen Baldacci, visited Gorham Middle School to demonstrate her interest and support.  In 2007, school districts across the State were encouraged by the Maine Departments of Education and Agriculture to participate in the program.  Most school districts celebrate the Maine Harvest Lunch during the third week in September.

The program has continued to expand and gain momentum.  The organizing committee has generated many materials which may be of use in planning your own Maine Harvest Lunch event.  Many materials are now available on our publications page.  This page continues to get updated, so check back soon for more!  Contact Sarah Plummer for more information.

Goals of the Maine Harvest Lunch:

• To educate students and school-community members about the benefits of supporting a local food system

• To cultivate interest amongst youth towards agriculture, nutrition and food preparation methods
• To establish relationships between food service directors and local farmers/food producers, serving as a starting point for sourcing and incorporating more local foods into the school nutrition program
• To engage multiple community-based organizations, community and regional leaders, students, teachers, school administrators and parents in a celebration of Maine grown foods

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