Farmers and Growers: Partner with Downeast Gleaning Initiative

Healthy Acadia invites local farmers and growers to partner with the Downeast Gleaning Initiative to help reduce food waste and increase access to fresh, local food across our communities.

Through the initiative, Healthy Acadia coordinates gleaning opportunities that collect surplus produce from farms, farmers’ markets, and farm stands, and redistributes it to food pantries and free meal sites throughout Hancock and Washington counties. With partnerships spanning more than 25 farms, this effort helps ensure that nutritious, locally grown food reaches neighbors who need it most.

Getting involved is simple. Farmers can connect with the team when they have excess produce, and Healthy Acadia will coordinate volunteers or arrange pick-up. The program manages logistics and ensures donations are distributed quickly to organizations ready to use them. At the end of the season, participating farms receive a summary of their impact, including donation totals and documentation for tax purposes.

To learn more or to participate, contact Eleanor Jones at eleanor.jones@healthyacadia.org or call 207-460-2614.