WATCH THE AWARD VIDEO

AUGUSTA, MAINE – December 15, 2021 – The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association (MGFPA) is proud to announce Tradewinds Market Place in Blue Hill and Tradewinds Shop ‘N Save in Calais owned by Chuck and Belinda Lawrence as the winners of the MGFPA 2021 Impact Award. Formerly titled the Grocer, Associate, and Food Producer of the Year Awards, this prestigious award is presented annually to a business who exemplifies excellence in the industry. Now exclusively awarded to one winner each year, the winner is chosen by meeting specific criteria including contributions to MFGPA’s advocacy mission, community service, business excellence through providing a positive workplace, increase in overall sales, and supporting the industry via legislative or educational activities. In addition, the annual award winner demonstrates a commitment to cultivating opportunities for other Maine businesses to grow.

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REMINDER: The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding retail stores, restaurants, and shoppers that the statewide ban on single-use plastic carry-out bags will go into effect on July 1, 2021.

Implementation of a state law that prohibits restaurants, stores, and a wide variety of other eating establishments from using polystyrene foam disposable food containers will take effect on July 1, 2021.

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Family of four could pay more than $50 a month more for groceries

June 7, 2021 – Augusta, ME – A new study released last week estimates that a bill being considered by the Maine Legislature could increase the cost of consumer products by between $99 million and $134 million a year, leading to a potential cost increase for a family of four of between $32 per month and $59 per month.

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As we approach the daunting one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic and as we collectively strive to put the virus behind us, we are thankful for Governor Mills and the administration’s leadership and unwavering approach to protect Mainers’ safety.

On Friday, February 12th, the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association and a coalition of food and agriculture industries requested continued prioritization in Maine’s phase 1b COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan directly to Governor Mills and Commissioner Lambrew in a co-signed letter.

Our sector has worked tirelessly to ensure consistent and safe access to food and we are eager to continue to do so with a vaccinated workforce.

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The pandemic has put an unimaginable amount of stress on Maine’s food industry and the entire supply chain including various goods and products such as single-use paper bags. The Maine DEP evaluated the landscape and determined that due to the ongoing challenges to Maine’s businesses, it made sense to delay enforcement of Maine’s ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene.

Maine DEP delays enforcement of polystyrene foam and plastic bag bans. The department will exercise its enforcement discretion until July 1, 2021.

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