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About us

We are deeply committed to helping the Maine food system thrive.

Mark & Kelly LaCasse · 4 Madison Avenue, on the banks of the Kennebec river in Skowhegan

Chef Mark standing in a Maine cornfield

A classically trained chef

It started in his grandmother's kitchen

As a classically trained chef, Mark LaCasse understands the value of tradition. His deep-seated love for the art of cooking was discovered as a child while working alongside his grandmother — affectionately known as “Gug”.

In the kitchen, surrounded by family and friends, Gug instilled in him a strong foundation — combining a genuine passion for food and an ongoing commitment to culinary excellence that extends through to every aspect of the meal.

Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, New York — graduated Spring 2007
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Mark and Kelly LaCasse

Food equity & food justice

A thriving local food system is a dream come true

Being an active member of a thriving local food system is a dream come true for Kelly LaCasse, co-owner at The Maine Meal.

Kelly’s passion for food equity, food justice and food system education is infectious — and this drive is apparent whether she is advocating at the local or statewide level.

Together since 1997

A 22 year journey, and a road home

Mark and Kelly both grew up in central Maine but shared a passion for adventure. Together since 1997, when they fell in love on a beach volleyball court in Maine, they have followed their dreams all over the United States and abroad — and along the way, their passion for food and culture became a driving force.

  • 1997 · Maine
    A beach volleyball court

    Where they fell in love — and played a lot of beach volleyball for years afterward.

  • California
    Culinary arts & sound engineering

    Mark studied culinary arts while Kelly studied film and sound engineering.

  • Hudson Valley, New York
    Holistic nutrition & the CIA

    Mark continued his culinary arts degree while Kelly studied holistic nutrition, with hands-on experience in the New England regional food system.

  • Summers · central Maine
    Lakewood Theater & Restaurant

    Working close to home on a beautiful lake in central Maine, where they began to learn about the thriving Maine food system.

  • 3+ years · Nicaragua
    Running an eco-resort

    Immersing themselves in the fusion of Caribbean and Latin American cultures.

  • Home · Skowhegan
    Raise a family, start a business

    Fueled by well rounded life experiences, a multitude of inspiring people they met along the way, and grounded by the strength of their families, Mark and Kelly returned home to Maine.

Mark and Kelly LaCasse in their chef coats
Mark and Kelly LaCasse, Skowhegan, Maine.
A plate, cutting board and rosemary on a wooden table

4 Madison Avenue

The Maine Meal launched in June of 2012

Mark is the third generation to run a business out of the family owned building at 4 Madison Avenue in Skowhegan. Nestled on the banks of the Kennebec river, Mark and Kelly are excited to settle down here, where their two sons are the 5th generation of LaCasses to grow up in Skowhegan.

Time honored approaches, a dynamic menu

The Maine Meal is a small, family run business. Using time honored approaches to the art of cooking that he learned from his grandmother, Mark has designed a complete line of gourmet prepared frozen meals that combine innovative recipes, classic culinary methods, and fresh, local ingredients.

The exceptional quality of Maine’s beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables, fruit, grains and cheeses allow Chef LaCasse to provide a diverse and dynamic menu that appeals to food lovers of all ages.

2012
The Maine Meal launched in June.
3rd
Generation to run a business at 4 Madison Ave.
5th
Generation of LaCasses growing up in Skowhegan.
Licensed
Food manufacturer — Maine Dept. of Agriculture and the USDA.

Growing the food system

Find our products online, in local stores, and at local festivals and events

The Maine Meal is always scaling up and seeking new customers, new wholesale accounts, and new community partnerships! The local food system is in need of food processors to provide sustainable sales avenues for farmers and fisherman in Maine. As The Maine Meal grows, our local purchasing will grow too.

Learn more about the hard working Maine farmers, fisherman and makers that we work with on our website, through our social media sites, and in our newsletter.

If you are visiting or live in Maine you can order online and have The Maine Meal delivered directly to your home or business, or check out the Where To Find Us page for restaurants, retail shops, farmers markets and events that we are at.

Please note
We are no longer shipping in-state or out-of-state.

Kelly LaCasse at the Belfast farmers market beside The Maine Meal banner