Talk of the Towns 4/14/17

Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Studio Engineer: John Greenman

Issue: Community concerns and opportunities

Program Topic: Working Towards Food Security for Maine

Key Discussion Points:

What are some of the practical ways we are addressing food insecurity in this part of the state? How do local food pantries work with the statewide Good Shepherd Food Bank?

Hunger Pains is the title of a recent report commissioned by Good Shepherd Food Bank and Preble Street. What does this report reveal about food insecurity in Maine? What stands out? How does hunger or food insecurity affect other aspects of life for those needing a hand up (learning, job performance, family cohesion)?

What are the highlights of that report, and how does the report influence how we should respond to food insecurity as a state? Are there general myths around food insecurity that listeners should be aware of?

What policy changes are called for in the report?

While we work on policy changes, what more can we be doing at the local level to work towards food security (support for food pantries, gleaning and growing food for donation to food pantries, awareness and outreach). Include results of Hancock County Food Drive

Guests:
Jennifer Jones, Bar Harbor Food Pantry
Emily Herweden, Healthy Acadia
Clara Whitney, Good Shepherd Food Bank