The Maine DOE is applying to be part of a pilot program that would enable local food service departments to utilize part of their USDA food entitlement funds (PAL) to purchase unprocessed products. Eight states will be selected for the pilot program nationwide and one from the northeast region.
As part of the federal application, the Department is encouraging school districts who are interested in participating to complete this form and indicate the amount of entitlement to commit. To be eligible, an applicant must be a participant in the National School Lunch Program and provide evaluations as required.
Forms must be completed and received by the Department’s Director of School Nutrition, Walter Beesley at walter.beesley@maine.gov no later than 5 p.m. on September 15. Please contact Walter with any questions at 207-624-6843 or visit the DOE’s pilot program web page to learn more.