Posts Categorized: Announcements

REMINDER: Maine’s Plastic Bag Ban & Polystyrene Ban – Effective July 1st, 2021

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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Study: New State-Run Recycling Program Could Cost Mainers $134 Million a Year

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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MGFPA Spearheads COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Ask To Governor Mills

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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Maine DEP delays enforcement of polystyrene foam and plastic bag bans

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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Honoring Maine’s Retailers, Grocers, & Food Producers

Each year, the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association chooses an outstanding Maine grocer, food producer and associate to honor with our annual awards. Our friends at the Retail Association of Maine do a similar award for their industry businesses.
However, this year, we felt it was important to honor the tens of thousands of people who work in retail, grocery, and food production who have done amazing work throughout the pandemic. It has been an unbelievably difficult year and the people who work in our industries have continued to adapt, pivot, and rise to meet every challenge.
“It’s just what we do,” perfectly sums up your spirit and perseverance. This is dedicated to every Maine retail, grocery, and food production worker. Thank you for all that you do!
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