ME LD1858

Increases the state matching ratio for local food purchases by school districts from $1 for every $3 spent to $1 for every $2 spent, beginning fiscal year 2025-26

Doubles the maximum state reimbursement per school administrative unit from $5,000 to $10,000 annually (or $5,500 to $11,000 if staff complete local foods training)

Expands eligible local food suppliers to explicitly include commercial fishers, aquaculture farmers, and aquaculture farmers' cooperatives, with seafood specifically added to reimbursable protein purchases

Authorizes the Department of Education to contract with third-party entities to provide local foods training for school food service employees

Requires the department to collect data on Local Foods Fund usage and seafood procurement, with annual reports to legislative education and marine resources committees beginning January 1, 2026