Dear Friend,
Act before May 10!
As a Maine member or supporter of Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund you know the legislature had previously passed the Maine Food Sovereignty Law and the voters have passed a Constitutional Right to Food.
As you may also know, the Maine Department of Health has not honored these laws, and instead has unlawfully insisted on a commercial kitchen license for our member, Kenduskeag Kitchen, before this family-run business can prepare food lawfully in their own community!
In response, the Maine state legislature is considering amending the Maine Food Sovereignty Act to make it even more clear that local governments have the authority to determine the level of regulation of food production and preparation in their own communities.
HOW TO HELP
At 9:00 a.m. EST on May 10, 2023, there is a public hearing on the matter.
Consider joining in person, by zoom, or by submitting written testimony in advance.
Review materials HERE, and provide support and feedback on LD 1823, SP0739
An Act to Respect and Protect the Right to Food.
Support the work of Sen. Craig Hickman of Kennebec on this matter. Let your voice be heard!
BACKGROUND
Maine state regulators have shuttered a small home food business serving healthy, prepared meals to a rural community. Yesterday we at Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) filed a motion for preliminary injunction against Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to allow the continued operation of this vital community resource called Kenduskeag Kitchen, while the parties fight it out in court.
In late 2022, Maine DHHS maintained that the local food producer must obtain a food establishment license. To obtain the license, DHHS said Kenduskeag Kitchen is required to have a full, commercial kitchen.
FTCLDF maintains the State is in violation of the Maine Food Sovereignty Act of 2017 as well as the Maine Right to Food Constitutional Amendment approved by Maine voters in 2021.
“The threats of fines and/or legal action from the State against my family, has resulted in my business being shut down since December [2022],” says the owner of the shuttered business, Rhiannon Deschaine. “This has taken away my meals as options for my community members, who came to enjoy the availability of a wholesome, homemade meal. The State’s action has created further financial strain for my family amid rapidly rising costs of living in our area.”
To read the full story, visit our website HERE. Please share widely—this is a major food freedom issue and deserves national attention.
In good health,
Alexia Kulwiec
Executive Director |
