Bates Contemplates Food has been inspired in part by a $2.5 million grant that supports the College’s use of foods that are organic, natural and farm-fresh, or local. The gift enables Bates to enhance its long tradition of working with Maine producers and seeking out the healthiest foodstuffs. A few examples:

• Grass-fed beef raised by two Bates alums in North New Portland, Maine
• Spring water from a locally owned company
• Artisanal bread baked by a Bates alum from grain grown organically in Maine
• All kinds of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables grown just a few miles from Bates