We were glad to see that the Waterville Rotary provided financial support to area organizations working to feed people. Another group that is working to advance food security is the Central Maine Gleaners Group (CMGG). Gleaning is “the act of collecting excess fresh food from farms, gardens, farmer’s markets, or other sources and providing it to those in need.” In 2023, CMGG volunteers moved 20,243 pounds of food from places that have it to places that need it.
Each week between June and November, CMGG volunteers pick up unsold produce from the vendors at the Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market. Almost daily, MaineGeneral gives prepared food, produce, or pantry staples. At least once a week in the summer and fall, Johnny’s Selected Seeds allows gleaning groups to recover produce. At the end of the growing season, The Apple Farm in Fairfield, Heald Farm in Troy, Pine Acres Farm in Skowhegan, and Snakeroot Farm in Pittsfield hosted gleaning volunteers. The Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Fairfield and FEDCO Seeds in Clinton also contributed. Central Maine Gleaners Group volunteers appreciate the generosity of the farmers and organizations who help us provide fresh food to our neighbors.
Many community members benefit from receiving gleaned foods. People who live at the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter receive foods from the farmers’ market. Children at Edu-Care and the Alfond Youth and Community Center enjoy fresh fruits and veggies. So do diners at the Muskie Center and The Lighthouse. Perhaps you enjoyed some of our gleaned produce at one of our Share Tables at either the Waterville Public Library or Edgemont Avenue. A CMGG volunteer delivered gleaned produce to Capital Area New Mainers, Augusta Food Bank, KVCC, Oakland Food Pantry, Waterville Food Pantry, and Winslow Community Cupboard.
If you would like to learn more about us or to volunteer, join the Central Maine Gleaners Group Facebook group.
Linda Woods
Central Maine Gleaners Group
Waterville
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