We have MOVED!

Merrymeeting Gleaners became a program of Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in July 2021!

MFC grew the Merrymeeting Gleaners program from a pilot launched in 2016 to a what became a passionate network of farmers, volunteers, and recipient partners making a significant difference in the food security and connectedness of disparate parts of our communities. MCHPP was a core partner in the gleaning program as it developed and MFC looks forward to continued close collaboration with the Merrymeeting Gleaners and MCHPP.

“This program would not have been possible without the generosity of farmers, volunteers and funders. The relationships, trust, and community that have been nurtured over the past five years through the Merrymeeting Gleaners network are an essential piece of its success. Kelly Davis, our former Gleaning Coordinator, with a core group of committed individuals did an amazing job building this from an all volunteer pilot program. The Merrymeeting Gleaners program is the type of collaborative solution to community level challenges in our food system that MFC’s network seeks to support. With MCHPP’s support we are confident the Gleaning program and its impact will be sustained.” -Harriet Van Vleck, MFC Coordinator

Read the full Press Release >>

Visit the Merrymeeting Gleaners Webpage at MCHPP to get involved and learn more.

Contact david, the MCHPP Gleaning Coordinator.

history

The Merrymeeting Gleaners are a 100+ person volunteer group that was formed in 2016 as part of the MFC’s food security work. Gleaners harvest surplus food from local farms and redistribute it to over 45 organizations that support individuals who need help accessing food in our area. In 2018, the Gleaners launched two pilot programs, both continue as important components of our work to remove barriers to food access whether the barrier is stigma, or the time, knowledge or space and tools needed to prepare healthy foods. The Sharing Tables offer gleaned food in a community space, such as a library, and is available for anyone to take by donation based on their need. The Merrymeeting Gleaners also processed gleaned foods in order to make more food available through the winter.

In response to feedback, the Merrymeeting Gleaners and Maine SNAP-Ed created the Know Your Veggies booklet, with recipes for 50 types of gleaned produce. It is available for download here!

Work days offered farm partners support from the gleaners in exchange for a food donation.

Gleaning activities occur year round in our area thanks to our generous farm partners. To learn more about gleaning check out this video!

Each of these program components will continue under MCHPP’s guidance.

Testimonials

“It's wonderful to see excess produce from our farm being harvested for those in need.” -Nate Drummond, Six River Farm

“Gleaned food is used to supplement my backpack program which goes to food insecure families each week. I know that they are getting fresh produce that they would NOT be able to afford and that is a good thing.” - Representative of Woolwich Central School Backpack Program

“The gleaning program has made a tremendous positive impact on our town of Georgetown.” - Representative, Town of Georgetown

“I was able to save on my food budget so I could put money towards car repairs, medical bills, car registration and my license.” - Bath Resident

“I want to thank you for all the yummy vegetables you donated this summer and fall. They really helped me out in many way.” - Bath Resident

"I'm super grateful. I cook and I have used so much of their food. I made roasted root vegetables and had them for breakfast this morning.” - Bath Resident

THANK YOU ALL!