Maine to draw up plan to eliminate food insecurity by 2030

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Maine is set to draw up a plan to eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in the state by 2030.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills recently signed the bill into law. It'll take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, which is slated for mid-June.

The legislation calls on the state's Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to work with statewide advocacy groups, farmers, commercial fishers, state agencies and others to come up with such a plan.

The plan must examine the scope of hunger in Maine, while weighing policy solutions such as promoting food self-sufficiency and investing in family farmers and small-scale fisheries.

The plan is due by Feb. 10.

The bill's fiscal note says it expects the agriculture department to absorb minor costs under the law.