Reflections on the Northeast Farm to Institution Summit

In April, the Kendall Foundation team had the opportunity to spend three incredible days at the Northeast Farm to Institution Summit in Portland, Maine. Hosted by Farm to Institution New England (FINE), the gathering brought together more than 400 passionate leaders working to strengthen our regional food system—from farmers and educators to nutrition directors and nonprofit partners. 

Launching the 2025 New England Food Vision Prize 
The timing of the summit coincided with the launch of the 2025 New England Food Vision Prize, and we were thrilled to share this exciting opportunity with the community. We had the chance to announce the Prize to attendees, answer questions, and encourage applications from institutions and their partners across the region. 

Listening to the Community 
While announcing the Prize was a highlight, our time in Portland was also an invaluable opportunity to listen and learn. We spoke with many participants about the impacts of recent federal funding cuts and the challenges facing farm to school efforts. To deepen our understanding and inform our future grantmaking, we asked attendees a big question: 

“How could the foundation deploy $1 million over the next six months to help farm to school efforts withstand threats and position the movement for long-term success and impact?” 

We collected more than 90 thoughtful, creative, and practical ideas. Here are the six major themes that emerged from those ideas: 

1. Strengthen Regional Food Hubs  
Invest in capacity-building, infrastructure, networking, technical assistance, and technology to help food hubs serve more institutions effectively. 
2. Support Farm to School Education & Sourcing 
Fund in-school coordinators, Farm to School Institutes, procurement events, and systems to track and incentivize local food sourcing. 
3. Provide Stability for Farmers and Producers 
Offer forward contracting support, facilitate farmer cooperatives, establish emergency funds, and invest in season-extension infrastructure. 
4. Empower School Nutrition Teams 
Provide funds for training, professional development, and equipment that enable school kitchens to process and serve more local food. 
5. Expand Regional Food Processing 
Support IQF and frozen storage capacity and seed innovative product development to better meet institutional demand. 
6. Invest in Advocacy and Policy 
Back efforts to advance farm to school incentives at the state level, fund advocacy training, and support network-building and campaign coordination. 

Other Creative Recommendations 
Participants also suggested leveraging the $1 million in ways that could unlock even more impact: establishing revolving loan funds, attracting match funds, and collaborating with state agencies to enhance existing incentive programs. 

What’s Next 
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their insights—whether on an index card at the summit or via email afterward. Your voices are helping shape our 2025 grantmaking strategy, starting with the New England Food Vision Prize, which is now open for applications.

Thank You 
A big thank you to the team at Farm to Institution New England for hosting such a thoughtful, energizing summit. We’re honored to be part of this vibrant community and look forward to what we’ll build together in the months ahead.