AUGUSTA -- Activists who want to end childhood hunger decided Tuesday night at a Blaine House dinner to move forward with plans for a summit to focus on the issue.

"They talked about some of the efforts going forward in other states and they are going to organize a summit on hunger," said David Farmer, the governor's spokesman.

At this preliminary stage, there are no details about when the summit might be held.

The state will likely apply to the National Governor's Association for a grant to help fund the event, Farmer said.

First lady Karen Baldacci, a former kindergarten teacher and dietitian, will lead the effort.

The southern Maine chapter of a national group called Share Our Strength approached the governor's office in March to ask for a meeting. Karen Baldacci agreed to host a dinner, which featured three chefs who donated their time and food to serve dinner to about 20.

Jim Britt, board president of Share Our Strength, said his group will work on creating a plan for Maine to address hunger. He said the dinner was productive, with lots of people expressing different ideas.

"Everybody is in agreement that hunger can be eliminated in the state of Maine," he said.

The guest list included Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel Opinion Page Editor Naomi Schalit, who was invited by the first lady because of an award-winning series she wrote last summer on hunger in Maine.

"For I was hungry," a seven-part editorial series, documented the growth in the number of food banks across the state, the steps schools and teachers take to feed children and hunger among the elderly.

Also in attendance was Richard Small, executive director of Good Shepherd Food Bank, which distributes 10 million pounds of food throughout the state each year.

"It was a very candid discussion with varying opinions about what are the things that need to be done to combat hunger with children in the state of Maine," he said.

Small said those at the dinner talked about rising food prices, along with higher costs for gas and home heating oil. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects food prices to rise 4-5 percent this year, and a separate survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows the cost of 16 basic grocery items went up 8 percent between December and March.

Although the Blaine House dinner was just the start, Small said he's confident more work will continue, particularly because of the commitment of the first lady.

"I'm optimistic about what can be done, even in tough times," he said.

Farmer said the summit will serve as a platform for future action.

"Hopefully, we can take the resources of the state, philanthropic and the National Governors Association, and can build an event to educate and motivate decision makers and lawmakers, and improve coordination on the activist level," Farmer said.

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com