In the summer months, children lose access to the school meal services they may rely on during the academic year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) SUN Meals program provides children ages 18 and younger with access to healthy, nutritious food at neighborhood locations across the United States (including in Maine) throughout the summer months when school meals and snacks are unavailable.

Many schools in Maine that offer SUN Meals have already communicated the details within their school communities. Additionally, the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder, an online tool available to the public, provides a listing of all SUN Meals locations in Maine. These sites include schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Some providers in approved rural locations may also offer free meals for pick-up or delivery through the SUN Meals To-Go program. (This information is noted on the Site Finder as “Eat On-Site” vs. “Meals To-Go.”)

Access the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder here. Use the search feature to enter an address and find the closest location.

For more information about SUN Meals, please visit the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program webpage. With further questions, contact Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition Supervisor Adriane Ackroyd at adriane.ackroyd@maine.gov or call 207-620-6017.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

(1)       mail:

            U.S. Department of Agriculture
            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
            1400 Independence Avenue, SW
            Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

(2)       fax:

            (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

(3)       email:
            program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

Complaints of discrimination must be filed at the office of the Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0051. If you wish to file a discrimination complaint electronically, visit the Human Rights Commission website at https://www.maine.gov/mhrc/file/instructions and complete an intake questionnaire. Maine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is pleased to announce the return of the SUN Bucks and SUN Meals programs in the summer of 2026. These programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), help to ensure that Maine children continue to have access to healthy, nutritious food during the summer months when school meals and snacks are not available.

SUN Meals

SUN Meals provides free meals to youth 18 years of age and younger in communities where more than half of the children meet income guidelines. Sites are typically designated at neighborhood locations, including schools, parks, nonprofit residential summer camps, government agencies, and tax-exempt organizations (including faith-based organizations). Many schools across Maine offer SUN Meals and can provide details regarding how to access meals. Additionally, in mid to late June, the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder will have locations of Maine SUN Meals sites.

SUN Meals-To-Go provides pick-up and delivery options in eligible rural areas where transportation may make access to congregate meal sites more difficult. This information is also included on the USDA site finder.

With questions about SUN Meals, please contact adriane.ackroyd@maine.gov or 207-620-6017 or visit the USDA Summer Nutrition Programs webpage.

SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, managed by the Maine DHHS Office of Family Independence (OFI), is designed to supplement families’ grocery budgets over the summer when school is out of session by providing a one-time $120 food benefit per school-aged child. That benefit may be used at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores and farmers’ markets, to purchase healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, dairy, and other protein sources. SUN Bucks occurs in addition to SUN Meals, and children may participate in both programs.

Most children eligible for SUN Bucks will be automatically enrolled based on participation in other public benefit programs. Families will automatically receive SUN Bucks if they have a child(s) who attends a school that serves National School Lunch Program meals and who participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or MaineCare with a household income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or who is identified by OFI or the Maine DHHS Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) as foster, homeless, or migrant.

Most eligible households have already received a SUN Bucks eligibility notice from OFI and will receive benefits in the following ways:

• For SNAP-eligible households, benefits will be loaded onto the household’s existing P-EBT card (also called the Pine Tree EBT card).
• For former P-EBT or SUN Bucks households not currently receiving SNAP, benefits will be added to the previously issued P-EBT card.
• For newly eligible households not currently receiving SNAP, a new P-EBT card with preloaded benefits will be mailed to the household.
  
  

Please note that families who no longer have their P-EBT card may request a replacement card through pinetreecard.com or by calling 800-477-7428.

Families who have not been notified of automatic enrollment by mid-June, but who believe their children may qualify based on the above criteria, may apply for SUN Bucks through My Maine Connection or by mail. Applications must be received by August 15, 2026, and benefits must be used within approximately four months of when they were issued.

With questions, please visit the Maine DHHS SUN Bucks webpage.

Guidance for Special Provision Schools

• Community Eligibility Provision: Students who are not part of a household that already participates in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, MaineCare at 185% FPL, and who are not identified as foster, homeless, or migrant by OFI or OCFS, but who do meet the requirements for free or reduced-price meal benefit, must apply for SUN Bucks.
• Provision 2: Students who are not part of a household that already participates in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, MaineCare at 185% FPL, and who are not identified as foster, homeless, or migrant by OFI or OCFS, but who do meet the requirements for free or reduced-price meal benefit, must apply for SUN Bucks (in most cases).

How to Help Spread the Word

Schools are encouraged to share information with families about the SUN Bucks and SUN Meals programs. Suggestions include:

• Promoting the locations and operating times of SUN Meals and SUN Meals-To-Go sites.
• Encouraging families with children who will automatically be enrolled in SUN Bucks to ensure their mailing address is up to date by calling OFI at 855-797-4357.
• Telling families to keep an eye out for a letter notifying them of automatic SUN Bucks enrollment, a new card in the mail, or a balance increase on their existing P-EBT card in early June.
• Encouraging families who have not received notice of automatic enrollment by mid-June, but who may have eligible children, to apply for SUN Bucks.

Additionally, schools may consider using the flyer linked below to help spread the word about SUN Bucks and direct families to the Maine DHHS SUN Bucks webpage for more information about the program and how to apply. Families may also call OFI at 855-797-4357 and select option 5 to speak with an eligibility specialist about SUN Bucks.

• SUN Bucks USDA Outreach Flyer (PDF) in English
• Other languages: العربية | Français | Español | Português | Lingala | Soomaali | Русский | 简体中文 | Tiếng Việt | Kiswahili | ខ្មែរ | Kinyarwanda 

Thank you for helping to raise awareness about these important programs and ensuring that Maine children get the nutrition they need to thrive this summer.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

(1)       mail:

            U.S. Department of Agriculture
            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
            1400 Independence Avenue, SW
            Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

(2)       fax:

            (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

(3)       email:
            program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry, or national origin.

Complaints of discrimination must be filed at the office of the Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0051. If you wish to file a discrimination complaint electronically, visit the Human Rights Commission website at https://www.maine.gov/mhrc/file/instructions and complete an intake questionnaire. Maine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

On March 13, 2026, at the James F. Doughty School in Bangor, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition team hosted an interactive “speed-meeting” event, designed to help school nutrition programs connect with local producers and distributors. Organized by Maine DOE Regional Local Foods Project coordinators Martha Poliquin (manager), Roxanne Bruce (Aroostook and Northern Washington Counties), Sandy Fortin (Hancock and Southern Washington Counties), and Amanda Junkins (Penquis, Somerset, and Waldo counties), the gathering was intended to help schools gain strong community partnerships and resources in their areas. This was the first event of its kind in the Bangor region.

The afternoon kicked off with a panel discussion of school nutrition directors, regional Local Foods Project coordinators, and representatives from the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, FarmDrop, and Native Maine Produce. Topics of conversation included success stories, challenges, and explanations of the “why” behind buying local.

Panelists were Dr. Roxanne Bruce, Regional Local Foods Project Coordinator; Melanie Lagasse, Director of Food Services for the Madawaska School Department, MSAD 27, and RSU 33; Laura Baker, MSAD 1/RSU 79 Food Service Director; Rosie Villano, Downeast FarmDrop Manager; Susan Olcott, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association; and Alex Powell from Native Maine. The panel was moderated by Alida Peterson from the Maine Farm and Sea to School Network.

“We live so far up north that resources are very limited, so we often have to work miracles and jump through hoops to make things happen,” Melanie Lagasse, Director of Food Services for the Madawaska School Department, MSAD 27, and RSU 33, said. “One of the best parts of participating in the local program is being able to drive down to Portland and pick up fish right off the pier. Last week, I picked up 860 pounds of flash-frozen haddock. Honestly, I’m surprised my van made it back! Because of that trip, I was able to provide fish not just to my three school districts but to another district, as well. It really gives us the opportunity to bring more—and healthier—food into our schools.”

MSAD 1/RSU 79 Food Services Director Laura Baker shared a recent example of how using locally grown food has played out in her district.She said last summer, when local growers had an overabundance of squash, her response was immediate: “Just drop it. I don’t care what kind you bring me—just bring it and drop it.”.

Baker said initially, her kitchen staff was surprised and unsure of what to do with so much squash.

“We’re going to process this, and we’re going to freeze it, and we’re going to have it for later. Don’t stress,” Baker explained to her staff. “They’re adapting. They’re doing better—because the kids are liking it.”

Rosie Villano, Downeast FarmDrop Manager, described the organization’s “small but mighty” relationship with schools. Its primary buyer over the past year has been Mount Desert Elementary in AOS 91 with Chef Tasha Higgins. FarmDrop provides the school primarily with salad bar greens and bulk spring mixes, as well as scallions, cherry tomatoes, and other items that can be purchased in small quantities.

“[They are] able to place a $30 order and just get what they want,” Villano explained. “The reason we’re able to do that and the reason why we’re able to get it from the farms is because it’s built off of our retail program.”

Villano described the process: “So, every week we go to Mount Desert Island to deliver retail customer orders, and Tasha can pick up her order at the same time as any other customer, and that has been really cool to be able to have this infrastructure that supports multiple types of buyers.”

Following the panel discussion, a round-robin format among buyers, producers, and distributors took place, allowing for deeper conversations. A common theme among buyers of small districts was a lack of storage and challenges meeting the case minimums of distributors. Participants brainstormed options to overcome these obstacles, including purchasing in smaller volumes to meet the needs of all buyers.  

The day ended with taste tests and samplings of various local food items, including a local fish stew from Hurricane’s Soup and Chowder, pizza dough from The Good Crust, and fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers and distributors.

The event was a great networking opportunity for farmers and schools. It inspired confidence that there is more than one way to expand local options in school nutrition programs. With knowledge, resources, and grit, school districts in the state are finding creative ways to provide students with the freshest, most nutritious ingredients that Maine has to offer.

Participants got to sample a spread of local fruit and vegetables with assorted dressings.

Pictured: Roxanne Bruce, Regional Local Foods Project Coordinator, and Martha Poliquin, Regional Local Foods Project Manager

Federal grant funds received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $494,000. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, USDA or the U.S. government.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to join the Maine Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) community in celebrating National CACFP Week from March 15-21, 2026. This week highlights the vital role nutritious meals play in supporting children, families, and adult participants in care settings.

CACFP is a federally funded program that helps child care centers, family child care homes, afterschool programs, and adult care programs serve balanced, nutritious meals and snacks to the individuals they serve each day. Across Maine, CACFP supports thousands of meals served to children and adults in care settings each year. In 2025, CACFP daycare homes and CACFP center sites served:

• 1,201,550 breakfasts
• 1,181,632 lunches
• 1,468,979 snacks
• 291,139 dinners

These meals help ensure participating children and adults have access to the nutritious food they need to support growth, learning, health, and well-being.

Throughout the week, Maine CACFP will feature themed activities:

• Monday – Fueling Maine’s Future Day: Highlighting how balanced meals and snacks support growth, learning, and wellness.
• Tuesday – Color Your Plate Day: Encouraging programs to serve a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
• Wednesday – Literacy and Lunch Day: Promoting the connection between healthy meals and learning through story time.
• Thursday – Thank a Provider Day: Recognizing the dedication of childcare and adult care providers.
• Friday – Farm to CACFP Day: Celebrating the connection between local agriculture and the healthy foods served in CACFP programs.

This campaign aims to increase awareness of CACFP’s impact and celebrate the providers who help strengthen Maine communities every day.

For more information about CACFP, visit the Maine DOE website or contact the Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking organizations to help feed children this summer through the federally funded SUN Meals program—also known as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Eligible organizations may apply to become a SUN Meals sponsor, providing healthy, free meals to children throughout the summer months when school is not in session.

SUN Meals sponsors are reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for each eligible meal served to children. SUN Meals may be offered in any area where at least 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits under the National School Lunch Program or where census data indicates a high level of need. Additionally, at residential camps, children who are eligible for these benefits may qualify for meal reimbursement.

In the summer of 2025, 101 SUN Meals sponsors operated 445 meal sites across all of Maine’s 16 counties. The Maine DOE is grateful for this strong, statewide participation; however, there are still thousands of Maine children who lack reliable access to food during the summer.

“All children deserve access to healthy, nutritious food—regardless of whether school is in session,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “The Maine DOE is committed to working to ensure that this basic right is met for all kids in Maine during all times of year and in all parts of the state.”

A wide range of nonprofit organizations can apply to become a SUN Meals sponsor, including:

• Public or private schools
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit community organizations
• Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations
• Faith-based organizations
• Nonprofit residential summer camps

Organizations serving rural communities, migrant farmworker families, and tribal communities are especially encouraged to apply. Sponsors are also needed for SUN Meals To-Go, a program that provides grab-and-go or home-delivered meals in approved rural areas.

Applications to become a SUN Meals sponsor open in March 2026. All new and returning sponsors are required to complete an in-person training in March or April (with specific dates to be announced in the Maine DOE Event Calendar).

Organizations interested in learning more or starting the application process should contact Kaitlin Fayle, Summer Child Nutrition Consultant, at kaitlin.fayle@maine.gov or 207-592-4198. Additional resources are also available on the Maine DOE website.

Federal Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

(1)       mail:

            U.S. Department of Agriculture
            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
            1400 Independence Avenue, SW
            Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

(2)       fax:

           (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

(3)       email:
            program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

(Federal statement updated May 18, 2022)

State Non-Discrimination Statement

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

Complaints of discrimination must be filed at the office of the Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0051. If you wish to file a discrimination complaint electronically, visit the Maine Human Rights Commission website and complete an intake questionnaire. Maine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

With the support and participation of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition Team, Full Plates Full Potential, in collaboration with the MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement, hosted another successful season of the Culinary Skills for School Meals training over the summer. This learning opportunity is a five-day, hands-on training, designed to strengthen the culinary skills of school nutrition professionals.

Culinary Skills for School Meals has been offered annually during the summer months since 2023, attracting an increasing number of participants every year and expanding its reach across Maine. Funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants, Full Plates Full Potential collaborates with the Healthy Eating Active Living Team, a program of the MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement, to host these no-cost events in regional locations across Maine.

This year, trainings were held at Kennebunk High School, Edward Little High School in Auburn, Mount Blue in Farmington, and Presque Isle High School. The four trainings reached 98 participants from 32 school districts, with Auburn and Presque Isle hosting for the first time.

During the training, participants acquired techniques and kitchen efficiency skills, all aimed at enhancing the quality and appeal of school meals and increasing students’ consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, plant-based proteins, and lean meats.

In a 2024 post-training evaluation, participants were asked to share their experiences and describe any changes they had made since completing the culinary training. Examples of feedback include:

• “[I] learned knife and culinary skills, recipe ideas, and ways to cook and serve veggies to increase appeal.” – middle school cafeteria staff 
• “[I’m] expanding my thinking outside of the box and jazzing up ho-hum items simply and nutritiously.” – middle school cafeteria staff 
• “There are many ways to prepare an item (fruits, vegetables).” – elementary school cafeteria staff 
• “[I learned] how easy it is to enhance flavors with simple seasonings and techniques.” – elementary school cafeteria staff 
• “[I’m] definitely letting the kids try something before just jumping off the deep end and hoping they like it.” – high school cafeteria staff 
• “It helped me to gain confidence.” – elementary school cafeteria staff

Planning is underway for the 2026 training dates and locations. For more information, please visit www.letsgo.org/culinaryskills.

This story was submitted by the MaineHealth Healthy Eating Active Living Program. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

National School Lunch Week and Farm to CACFP Week will both be celebrated the week of October 13-17, 2025!

This year’s National School Lunch Week theme, “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport!”, invites students to explore global flavors and celebrate nutritious meals that fuel learning.

Farm to CACFP Week highlights how the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) connects participants with local food, nutrition education, and gardening experiences.

Maine is grateful to have strong programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Farm to CACFP that help to nourish students and families across the state. These initiatives ensure that every child and adult in care settings has access to nutritious meals that fuel learning, growth, and overall well-being.

The goal of National School Lunch Week, established by the School Nutrition Association, is to highlight the importance of healthy school meals, encourage student participation in the NSLP, and share with families the many benefits of school nutrition programs. Since its creation in 1946, the NSLP has evolved to offer balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fat-free or low-fat milk—all within age-appropriate calorie ranges and limited in unhealthy fats and sodium.

Here in Maine, all students attending schools that participate in the NSLP receive breakfast and lunch at no cost to them, ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals. When every student chooses school lunch, the entire school community benefits.

Similarly, Farm to CACFP Week celebrates the childcare centers, Head Start programs, family childcare homes, afterschool programs, and adult care centers across Maine that foster healthy habits and support local agriculture. Throughout the week, participating programs are encouraged to:

• Serve and incorporate local foods in CACFP meals and snacks.
• Engage participants in taste tests, cooking demos, food-themed stories, or gardening activities.
• Highlight Maine farms and producers through guest visits or virtual tours.

Together, these programs exemplify Maine’s commitment to feeding both bodies and minds—connecting nutrition, education, and local food systems to strengthen communities statewide.

This year, a special highlight to celebrate nutrition in Maine is Apple Crunch Day, slated for Wednesday, October 15, 2025. This is an engaging and fun event where children and adults across the state are invited to take big, crunchy bites out of fresh, local apples at the same time. This simple activity celebrates Maine’s apple harvest and sparks curiosity about where our food comes from. It also offers an excellent opportunity for students to explore the role that apples play in Maine’s agricultural heritage and the many apple varieties that thrive in Maine’s orchards. 

Several schools across Maine are planning to participate in Apple Crunch Day! For additional information about the event, please contact Maine DOE Farm and Sea to School Coordinator Katie Knowles at katie.knowles@maine.gov. Consider sharing pictures/videos of how your school celebrated Apple Crunch Day with Rachel Paling, Maine DOE Communications and Outreach Manager, at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

For more information about the National School Lunch Program or the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), please visit the Maine DOE Child Nutrition website or contact the Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team at child.nutrition@maine.gov.