Harpswell Aging at Home (HAH) is a community-led organization committed to helping people thrive while aging at home. Read on to learn about some of the amazing work they are doing within the Harpswell community, and thank you Surrey Hardcastle for taking the time to answer our questions!
Can you describe some of the ways HAH helps bring people together and strengthens the community in Harpswell through food?
All of our programs bring people together. I think one thing of note is that since its inception, HAH has brought together the community. We are very large and geographically separate. Each area has had its own identity and there were very few activities that bridged these divides. People are not freely attending activities throughout town and meeting Harpswelites that they may not have encountered previously.
Here is a quick recap of just some of the food activities:
Meals in a Pinch- This is a food delivery program every other week that provides 4 meals per person to people who need a little help with meals for many reasons. Some have medical issues, are caregiving for another, elderly and not motivated or able to consistently provide themselves with nutritious meals, etc. People can come on/off the free program at any time. Currently, we are delivering to 60+ individuals. Meals are made in people’s homes or by a monthly cooking group at the MCHPP kitchen. There is great socialization that happens - perhaps more important than the food! Those “working” MIP have a great time: cooking and delivering what they have made to the place where the group is packaging. Drivers come pick up the bags and go on their route. There are so many wonderful relationships between recipients and the drivers! Lots of stories there.
Lunch with Friends- This is a community wide free lunch event that happens currently about 6-8 times a year . It is held in different venues in town. The food is homemade and generally provided by a community group- a church, the Gardeners, the Knitters, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, etc. We have 55-100 attend each event. It is loud, boisterous and delicious. It is a much anticipated event for all- those volunteering and those attending.
Cooking at 43 degrees North- This is a group of people who like to cook, think about food and all food related issues. Almost monthly, they sponsor some event which is open to all. Recently, they have had informative sessions (with snacks!) about lobstering and oysters. They do food swaps and demonstrations in person and zoom and all sorts of creative food experiences. Some events are small- 10 or so …. Others have 40 or more.
Sharing Table -From June-Oct. Produce is put out weekly for anyone to take or to add to the table for others. It is supplied predominantly by MCHPP and the Harpswell Gardens as well as individual gardeners.
2. How can people engage with the work you are doing?
We are always getting new volunteers. Information can be found on our website or Facebook , through our monthly newspaper and other many other types of publicity sent out by our Communications team. HAH has a volunteer team to process all of its program requests.
3. What do you think are the biggest strengths of your community?
Maine, and Harpswell specifically, has always been known as a place where people help each other out. Community is ingrained. I am astounded at the generosity (both in time and money) and willingness to work in community.
4. What’s one other group in your community doing relationship-building work?
There are SO many: Harpswell Heritage Land Trust works to create a community of people as well as secure our land for the future. Also, the Grange has monthly breakfasts that are very popular.
