The Convergence Catch
April 17, 2025: Food Access Resources, Taste Tests and Testimony Writing
The Maine Gleaning Network
As funding cuts threaten food security in multiple ways across the state, network gleaning organizations continue to seek volunteers to bolster their efforts and get as much food possible to those utilizing food access sites. Find your local gleaning group here and channel your energy to this important work. Spring is upon us and many groups are gearing up to start harvests in the next month or two!
Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Network
Save the Date: Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network Summit - October 14, 2025
Mark your calendars! The Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network Summit is coming to Colby College on October 14. This one-day event will bring together food system leaders, institutional buyers, producers, and community partners to connect, share ideas, and advance farm and sea to institution efforts across Maine. Stay tuned for more details on registration, program highlights, and ways to get involved!
Maine Youth for Climate Justice and Maine Climate Action NOW!
Maine Youth for Climate Justice has a busy month of events coming up.
On Tuesday, April 22nd at 6 PM Maine Youth for Climate Justice is hosting a testimony writing training focused on transportation policy. Participants will learn how to write effective testimony in support of MYCJ’s legislative priorities on clean and accessible public transit. Register here.
Join Maine Youth for Climate Justice, Community Organizing Alliance, Maine Youth Power, JustME for JustUS, and other youth activists for “Call Congress” a bi-weekly event where we’ll call our representatives, share key talking points on important issues, and support each other in the process. “Call Congress” will meet bi-weekly on Thursdays at 4:30 PM. Upcoming dates are 4/24, 5/8, and 5/22. Register here.
Maine Network of Community Food Councils
In light of drastic federal funding cuts looming for a number of food security and local foods programs, Maine Network of Community Food councils has added a new “Food Access” page to their website. The hope is that anyone who may need food assistance can easily find resources here, and that those who have the ability to donate some of their time and/or money to their communities will find local food pantries to support. When government fails us, community bails us!
Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association
MCFA had a great time reconnecting with partners and colleagues at the Farm to Institution Conference in Portland, Maine this month. Conference attendees were treated to samples of Maine fish cakes, and MCFA staff participated in a panel alongside fellow School Food System Innovation Grantees. MCFA is working to pack in as much product testing and development as possible before the end of the school year, with the goal of increasing access to local seafood for Maine’s K-12 students. MCFA looks forward to convening again at the Maine Food Convergence at the end of May, where many of their school partners will be featured serving up tasty seafood dishes.
Have time and energy? Volunteer with Presente! Maine at their Collective Farm for their first farm day of the season on Sunday, April 24th from 10AM - 3PM! The Collective Farm grows fresh, organic, and culturally relevant food for communities. Support the Farm Team in the regular maintenance of the growing fields, tour the farm, and share a lunch together. Volunteer Farm Days Start in April and will occur monthly through November. This is a great opportunity to learn about their food & land sovereignty projects and help our neighbors! Sign Up HERE.
Join the Ending Hunger in Maine Network
Stay Informed. Take Action. Help Protect SNAP from Harmful Cuts and Freezes.
