Schools in states across the country, including Maine, have made major efforts since the pandemic to expand student access to nutrition at little or no cost, citing its connection to learning outcomes. But some Muslim students say they still eat less at school or skip lunch altogether, because many cafeteria meals don’t meet their religious dietary guidelines. Now, a handful of public schools in southern Maine are trying to change that.

Join this webinar to learn how the Halal School Meals Network is working with community members, schools, and other partners to bring halal meals to students in Cumberland County, Maine. Speakers Rose Barboza (Food for All Services / Barboza Consulting), Firdaws Hakizimana (Cadeau Consulting), and Zoe Grodsky (Cumberland County Food Security Council) share the process and lessons learned from the network’s efforts to ensure that Muslim students who observe halal have equitable access to Maine’s universal school meals through the implementation of a certified halal program. They discuss community education and outreach, halal foodservice training and oversight, and how they are developing community trust and support. You will leave this webinar with a greater understanding of the role of culturally connected foods in institutions and ideas for community-centered farm to institution.