Growing to Give Reaches 100,000-pounds of Donated Organic Produce
August 16, 2024 – Growing to Give, a nonprofit farm operation in Brunswick, Maine, is proud to announce the achievement of a major milestone: the donation of 100,000 pounds of organic produce to Mainers experiencing food insecurity since its founding in 2017. Equivalent to an estimated 83,333 meals, this accomplishment underscores the organization’s role as a community resource for individuals and families facing hunger.
“Our ability to donate 100,000 pounds of fresh organic vegetables reflects the incredible dedication of our amazing volunteers, whose enthusiasm and hard work have been crucial to our mission of addressing food insecurity in Maine.” says Theda Lyden, Growing to Give Co-Founder and Farm Director. “We’ve accomplished so much together!”
Food insecurity affects 180,000 people in Maine (Feeding America, 2022 ‘Map the Meal Gap‘), highlighting a critical need that Growing to Give is working to address. The nonprofit organization uses climate-friendly farming methods to grow 29 species and 86 different types of organic, nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs. In response to feedback from food-access partners, Growing to Give has introduced culturally appropriate crops, including amaranth leaves, African eggplant, and flint corn, to better serve New Mainers and members of the Wabanaki community.
In 2023, Growing to Give’s produce reached nearly 40 food-access sites across seven Maine counties. “This widespread distribution is made possible through our partnerships with a network of gleaning organizations that deliver our fresh vegetables to food pantries, Head Start centers, health clinics, and other community sites.” says Ellen Rodgers, the nonprofit’s Managing Director. “Through these collaborations, we are working together to end hunger in Maine.”
Growing to Give is certified organic by MOFGA and the Real Organic Project and practices no-till regenerative agriculture—which, while labor-intensive, fosters healthier soil by preserving soil structure, enhancing moisture retention, and promoting beneficial microbial activity. Growing to Give also employs diverse cover crops, organic mulches, companion planting, and biochar, while growing native perennials and flowering annuals to support pollination and pest management. In recent years, the organization has expanded its education programs to share its knowledge of climate-friendly farming and increase awareness of food access issues.
With fewer than three full-time equivalent staff, Growing to Give depends heavily on volunteer support. In 2023, volunteers contributed more than 4,000 hours to grow food, maintain farm infrastructure, and support administrative and fundraising efforts. Their collective energy and commitment demonstrates the power of community in addressing the critical issue of hunger in Maine.
To learn more about Growing to Give and how you can support their mission, visit https://growingtogive.farm or email info@growingtogive.farm.