Maine Nutrition Network

"Buy Local, Eat Healthy" at Farmers' Markets

Maine is working hard to match local growers of food and food stamp recipients. Maine citizens with low-incomes can get fresh, nutritious food at competitive prices. Maine farmers have access to the spending of thousands of food stamp recipients (10% of Maine's population). It's a great deal all around!

The Maine Nutrition Network encourages farmers to become authorized to accept food stamps. Network staff meet with farmers during the winter and visit farmers' markets once the season has started.

The Maine Nutrition Network in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture works to reach food stamp recipients to encourage local fruit and vegetable consumption. Recipients of food stamps are encouraged through mailings, newsletters and newspaper advertisements to purchase fresh, local foods from farmers markets and from pick-your-own farms.

During the Summer, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, (UMCE) educators and other Network partners provide nutrition education at local farmers' markets.

Contact Judy Gatchell, MS, RD, LD, at 207-626-5273 or Amy Bouchard, MS, RD, LD at 207-626-5204.