Maine’s Food System: An Overview and Assessment

Authors

D. Robin Beck, University of southern Maine
Nikkilee Carleton, University of Southern Maine
Hedda Steinhoff, University of Southern Maine
Daniel Wallace, University of Southern Maine
Mark LappingFollow

Abstract

From an agrarian and seafaring past, Maine’s food system has seen profound changes over the past two centuries. Grain, milk, livestock, fish, potatoes, vegetables and fruits used to come from small, family farms. Today, most people in Maine don’t know where their food comes from. Many are dependent on federal, state and local “emergency food systems” such as food stamps, food pantries, and childhood nutrition programs. Food-processing facilities, distribution systems, and value-added products are in short supply. Nevertheless, Maine has a diversity and abundance of food prod­ucts. In this article, the authors provide a historical overview and current analysis of Maine’s food system, highlighting encouraging trends and opportunities for the state.

First page

18

Last page

34

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53558/OWAB9356

Recommended Citation

Beck, D. R. , Nikkilee Carleton, Hedda Steinhoff, Daniel Wallace, and Mark Lapping. "Maine’s Food System: An Overview and Assessment." Maine Policy Review 20.1 (2011) : 18 -34, https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mpr/vol20/iss1/6.