We Are
MAINE'S FOOD SYSTEM NETWORK
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VISION & MISSION
OUR VISION is for our state to have resilient, vibrant and self-reliant local and regional food systems, so that all Maine communities will have enduring food sovereignty and our citizens will have access to healthy, local food.
OUR MISSION is to increase the capacity of local level food systems efforts through collaboration, coordination and resource sharing, resulting in sustainable, sovereign food systems across the state of Maine.
Thanks to all of our council leaders and allies who helped us create this guiding star for our work. Extra big thank you to Theri Pickens of Inquiry Editing and Renee Page of Healthy Communities of the Capital Area- your expertise were invaluable!
STATEMENT OF SHARED MNCFC VALUES
Members of our statewide network of community food councils are united by our shared commitment to the radical transformation of our current food systems into ones that are just, healthy and sustainable. We value the right of every community to have enough nutrient-rich and culturally appropriate food for all its people. We value the creation of food systems that are just for our climate and for future generations who will inhabit this earth. We value our local farmers and fisherpeople who regenerate the land and protect our waterways, and who help us nourish our bodies. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all issues involving our foodscapes, we value approaching these issues with open mindedness, inclusivity, equity and thoughtfulness.
We value sharing information, funds and resources, to help all our councils, large and small, new and established, urban and rural, remove barriers to health and empower their communities to improve their well-being. Because we are all stronger when we work together, we value the building of genuine, trusting relationships within our communities, within our network, and with friends and allies.
We acknowledge our history of institutional racism, colonialism and patriarchy and their resulting power imbalances. As such, we value the continued learning and following of anti-racist and anti-colonial practices as we seek to help bring about food justice and sovereignty in this place many of us now call Maine.
Creative solutions to intractable problems are essential for the radical transformation of our food systems. We value making safe spaces for such creativity to flourish. We value learning from both our successes and our failures as we do this work. Finally, recognizing that this goal will not be achieved overnight, we value the patience to stay the course, stepping forward with faith and connection.
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Formed in 2011, our network is composed of local food councils throughout the state that are tackling a variety of issues in our regional food systems. Local councils range in size, makeup and mission, but are united by a shared desire to make Maine’s food systems better for everyone. Some local council activities include:
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Food systems education
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gleaning and food recovery
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cooking workshops
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supporting local farmers
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creating food charters
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feeding their communities
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advocating for food sovereignty
The Maine Network of Community Food Councils exists to provide a community of practice for all local councils and allies. Our network aims to connect our members with other groups doing good food systems work around the state, to share information and help members stay up-to-date on happenings in our food system, to help promote the work councils are doing, and to provide a space for councils to discuss successes, challenges and needs. This includes:
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sharing funding
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monthly network meetings
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annual summits (currently on hold due to Covid)
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social media and website sharing
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professional development and education
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ongoing updates and communication