TIMES RECORD • May 24, 2022
Feeding America ranked Maine as the second most food insecure state in 2019. Yet hunger in Maine is not due to a lack of food production. Maine’s hungriest counties often service more farmland acreage than their food secure counterparts. Food insecurity is ultimately rooted in weak local food systems. A 2017 UMaine study identified “distributional difficulties” as the primary barrier to feeding Mainers. Many regions lack networks to get produce from farm to table, forcing residents to purchase highly processed foods at convenience stores. Increasing small-scale agriculture state-wide poses numerous benefits. Family ownership facilitates local relationships and the implementation of farmers markets. Moreover, small farms can avoid harmful pesticides and support broader nutritional needs. We must urge our representatives to advocate for more policy that economically supports family farms, specifically targeting food insecure counties. In the meantime, support local food systems. ~ Leah Dichter, Brunswick