Award-Winning Baker in Portland Offering Students Free Meals

The James Beard-nominated baker puts a simple sign on her bakery that changes lives.

Atsuko Fujimoto is from Japan, and owns Norimoto Bakery on Stevens Avenue in Portland. Her tiny, unassuming bakery is a treasure trove of treats. This tiny baker has been nominated several times for a baker's highest honor – a James Beard Award.

But as hidden as this gem is, for as good as the baked goods and food are, it's the heart of the place that has made them beloved in this Deering Center area of Portland. Atsuko explained to News Center Maine that food insecurity for kids is a big problem in both Japan and Maine. She got the idea from a school district in Japan that had a bakery nearby. Norimoto is within walking distance from Lincoln Middle School and Deering High School. If you look closely, you'll see a sign in a window that you don't see in a lot of businesses.

This sign is beyond generous – it's also kind. No questions are asked, just a gentle reminder to pay that kindness forward when they are older. This sign makes me want to get every single baked good from this tiny little place. This sign shows an understanding that there could be shame associated with asking for food. Plus, she's aware that it's not just cookies that will be handed out. Atsuko told News Center Maine,

So we bake brioche rolls every day almost, so I try to give them that and also something hearty like a savory pie or an onigiri rice ball, we don't give them a French macaroon or a double chocolate cake, something more feeling and not buttery or too much sugar.

Atsuko isn't satisfied with her offer, and is looking for other suggestions of how she could help kids who are food insecure. If you have any ideas, please feel free to email her at atsukonorimoto@gmail.com.