Closing Keynote Speaker for State Network Conference Announced
 

We are pleased to announce that Patrick Colley of Feeding America will give the closing keynote address for the first-ever State Network Conference on June 7.

Patrick has contributed to nonprofit and business success for 13 years. In his position for Feeding America, he provides organizational assessments and capacity building support for food banks in the Northeast region. Providing technical assistance to 33 organizations and 1,300 staff members, Patrick's expertise encompasses resource building, operations, program management, and distribution.

 

Finding Fresh Food Close to Home
 

March is upon us and this is the time of year when we begin to think of gardening and the upcoming growing season. Farmers across the state have spent the off-season preparing for Spring, and many organizations are getting ready to offer local food programs to consumers.

More and more Farmers Markets are accepting EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards so consumers with SNAP benefits can purchase nutritious, locally grown foods. For a list of Farmers Markets and Farm Stands that accept EBT, take a look at the Get Real. Get Maine. website.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) information is being published on farm website for the 2012 season. Farmers make a number of "shares" available to consumers. Interested consumers purchase a share at the beginning of the season and in return receive a bag or box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farm season.

Need help getting food for your pantry or meal program? Ask a local civic group (Lions Club, Rotary, etc.) to purchase a couple CSA shares for your organization. For a list of available CSAs for the 2012 season, visit the MOFGA website.

Maine Senior Farm Share is a program that helps seniors access fresh produce with credits to local farmers markets and farm stands. There are income requirements and currently requests greatly outnumber available Farm Share funds. The best and most up to date information about this program can be found through your local Agency on Aging (call 2-1-1 for the contact information) and on the Get Real. Get Maine. website.

And at Good Shepherd Food Bank, we will once again be bringing farm fresh foods to partner agencies and their clients through the Mainers Feeding Mainers program. Stay tuned for more information about this program in the coming months.

Product Highlight: Muesli Cereal is Packed with Nutrition
 

Muesli Cereal is a breakfast cereal filled with corn flakes, fruits, and nuts. With 4g of protein, 4g of fiber, 7 vitamins and minerals, and only 2.5g of fat, this cereal is highly nutritious and tastes great. In addition to eating it for breakfast, it's great baked into muffins or sprinkled over desserts, yogurt, or cottage cheese.

We have over 1,000 cases of this product available. At only $1.04 per box, it costs $3 less than Kashi Mountain Medley Granola, and $2 less than sugary equivalents like Cocoa Puffs or Fruity Cheerios.