Consider planting an extra row of fruit and vegetables this year and donating it to local soup kitchens and food pantries through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Maine Harvest for Hunger program.
Most wanted: fruit of all types, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, winter squash, onions and potatoes.
The Maine Harvest for Hunger program is open to all interested gardeners and is coordinated through UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program.
Why Maine Harvest for Hunger is so important:
- 14.7% of Maine households, representing approximately 200,000 individuals, are “food insecure” according to the USDA.
- Maine ranks 18th in the nation and 2nd in New England in terms of food insecurity
- 23% of Maine children are food insecure.
- Maine ranks first in New England in terms of child food insecurity.
For more information or to enroll in the program visit the UMaine Extension’s website or contact their office at 1-800-287-1471.
About University of Maine Cooperative Extension:
As a trusted resource for almost 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county.
UMaine Extension helps support, sustain and grow the food-based economy. It is the only entity in our state that touches every aspect of the Maine Food System, where policy, research, production, processing, commerce, nutrition, and food security and safety are integral and interrelated. UMaine Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H.
