Maine Course by Sodexo

08/17/2026

Maine Course took a field trip to W.A. Bean & Sons in Bangor to discover what gives the iconic Red Snapper its snap and the other W.A. Bean deliciously hand-crafted products we bring into campus dining halls.

At Maine Course by Sodexo, supporting local means partnering with Maine legends like W.A. Bean & Sons (), which has produced the legendary Snapper for 160 years. What started in 1860 as Albert Bean's one-person operation is now a 6th-generation company producing 1 million pounds of product a year, employing 23 people.

Did you know W.A. Bean made the original Red Snapper and now remains the only company making them here in Maine?

In the 1930s, a German migrant wandered into Albert Bean's shop and suggested dyeing the hot dogs red, as they did in Germany as a promotional tool to stand out in a busy Bangor marketplace. The novel red, hot dog was a hit, and a Maine legend was born. The Red Snapper!

Every Red Snapper is still hand-wrapped in natural lamb casing for that signature snap.

W. A. Bean not only produces the Red Snapper but also over 30 other quality meat products. From Snappers to Maine blueberry sausages, hams, and deli meats, we're proud to serve W.A. Bean products in our Maine Sodexo campus dining halls.

08/04/2026

Did you know that back in the 17th century, European women managed coffee houses even though they weren't allowed inside to drink? Coffee houses were considered intellectual hubs where men gathered.

In 2026, times have changed, but women-led roasters are still rare. That's why our Sodexo team was thrilled to visit one of our coffee-roasting partners, Coffee By Design, , in Portland! Co-founded in 1994 and now run solely by Mary Allen Lindemann, CBD is 100% woman-owned and is breaking molds and roasting delicious artisanal coffee with a deep commitment to ethical sourcing, fair pay, and supporting local artists through its Rebel Blend fund.

We had a great time learning to "cup" coffee! We all grabbed a spoon and learned not to be shy about the big "SLURP," which is the sommelier-style technique roasters use to spray coffee across the palate and evaluate its rich flavor profile.

We're proud to serve Coffee By Design's single-origin roasts and custom blends in our campus dining halls. And if you are in Portland, head to their Diamond Street location for a cup.

07/31/2026

This week, members of our team toured Pineland Farms where we learned how our burger patties are processed and packaged before arriving on campus to be made into delicious burgers. 😋🍔

We loved learning about the company's commitment to animal welfare, including its emphasis on raising cattle without added hormones or antibiotics. Thanks to the Pineland Farms team for welcoming us and for being a valued local partner that helps feed the UMaine community everyday!

07/31/2026

Maine wild blueberries make everything better.

Pancakes. Muffins. Pies. Smoothies. Jam. Ice cream. A handful on your morning cereal. Or straight from the carton after a morning in the barrens.

This Wild Blueberry Weekend, discover what makes this iconic Maine crop so special. Meet the growers, visit a farm, pick up a rake, and take home the sweetest taste of summer.

📅 August 1–2
🫐 Find participating farms and locations and plan your visit!
https://wildblueberries.com/where-to-buy/wild-blueberry-weekend

P.S. Let's be honest... Maine potatoes, apples, sweet corn, maple syrup, and dairy make everything better, too. We just happen to be celebrating wild blueberries this weekend!

07/31/2026

Ever wonder where those incredibly delicious dining hall burgers come from? The answer is !

Maine Course took a road trip to New Gloucester! The team recently received an exclusive tour of the Pineland Farms Natural Meats facility, a favorite local partner that helps your Sodexo campus chefs bring those juicy, delectable burgers to your table.

Why we love Pineland Natural Meats:

* Ethical & Sustainable: They were pioneers in animal welfare and sustainable farming before it was cool.
* Absolutely zero added hormones or antibiotics. Ever.
* They partner with farmers who hold the same high standards for quality and care.

You can taste the quality. Great partners make great food!

07/22/2026

On July 20, 1969, humanity achieved the ultimate "moonshot" when Apollo 11, crewed by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, landed on the Moon. Today, Maine Course by Sodexo is taking on culinary and environmental moonshots across Maine campuses. We set big goals, have achieved many of them, and are still striving for more.

In June 2015, Maine Course committed to purchasing 100% GMRI-certified, responsibly harvested fresh locally caught white fish by 2020. This “moon shot” was accomplished by January 1, 2020.

Since February 2020, the Maine Course, working with the Maine Grain Alliance, has doubled local grain menu items and increased local grain purchasing by 50%

Maine Course has prioritized purchasing 100% local seasonal crops like Maine apples, blueberries, broccoli, and potatoes when available to bring fresh local flavors to the menu.

Our dedication to sourcing local goods and services when available supports local farms, small businesses, and diverse suppliers. It also helps reduce our carbon emissions and aligns with Sodexo's broader goal to reduce its global carbon footprint by 34%.

07/04/2026

06/24/2026

Farmers, professionals, home bakers, chefs, and brewers have gathered since 2007 to share their knowledge and expertise in the art of baking. If grains, baking, or brewing are your passions, this is a must-attend conference. The Kneading Conference, hosted by one of our Maine Course partners, The Maine Grain Alliance, , will be held in Skowhegan, once the breadbasket of America, July 22 - 24. Follow the link for more information. https://kneadingconference.com/the-kneading-conference/