Maine Food Storytellers lead our signature daily drop-in educational programs, Flavors of Maine, in the Tasting Room; these are engaging, story-driven sessions that introduce visitors to the complex landscape of Maine’s food systems. Each 45–90 minute program (June through October) weaves together narratives about individual producers, entire industries, support organizations, and the many ways they intersect to shape Maine’s vibrant food ecosystem. These sessions give visitors the foundational knowledge they need to understand why local food matters, where to find it, and how their choices directly support Maine’s farmers, fishermen, and food makers.
This role is perfect for outgoing, enthusiastic people who love teaching and can make complex ideas feel accessible and exciting. You may teach one person or up to 12 participants during a regular session, and occasionally up to 30 for private groups. Because programs are offered on a drop-in basis, scheduling requires a bit more flexibility than other opportunities. Some days we may not know until shortly before start time whether a session will run—though during peak season, programs typically fill and run reliably. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled session and should check in earlier in the day via phone, email, or text to confirm attendance numbers and any special considerations. Cleanup is minimal: bring glasses and plates to the kitchen, answer any lingering questions, and you’re done.
Training for this role is more extensive than most opportunities. Volunteers develop a deep understanding of Maine’s food systems - not just memorizing a script, but learning to answer questions thoughtfully and accurately, and becoming true ambassadors for local food. Training may include readings, practice sessions, and optional site visits to local producers to strengthen your knowledge.
MFBEC staff handle all food prep, materials, and setup; your job is to bring enthusiasm, clarity, and confidence to each session. This opportunity is especially well suited to people with existing experience in Maine’s food landscape, whether through nonprofits, farming, fishing, aquaculture, food education, or related work. For the right person, this is an incredibly rewarding role: you’ll learn a ton and experience the joy of watching visitors discover their own connection to Maine’s food systems - and leave ready to take meaningful action in their local food community.
