The Merrymeeting Food Council (MFC) seeks to advance a thriving, resilient, and equitable food system that supports the health and natural resources of our communities. Our vision is for a greater portion of the area’s food supply to be raised, caught, processed and consumed locally. This food system will protect and enhance natural resources, and create robust, meaningful economic and civic opportunities in the greater Merrymeeting Bay area. MFC is a collaborative network of farms, fisheries, businesses, nonprofits, government, and individuals working together to advance the food system in the 14 towns surrounding Merrymeeting Bay.MFC formed in 2015 after three years of meeting with food system stakeholders to understand their diverse needs. MFC seeks to be a convener around challenges in our food system and facilitate opportunities for collaboration and community building. For example, MFC’s Food Security work group created the Merrymeeting Gleaners project to address high rates of food insecurity in our communities. When a core group of partners was interested in understanding barriers to food access and wellness and the high rates of chronic diseases in our communities, MFC obtained funding to lead community assessments, built partnerships, and developed food access guides for our 14 communities. MFC has become a trusted convener by building communication, connections, and engagement that crosses food system sectors.