Washington County Food Council Revitalized, Prepares for 2025 with Exciting Events and Community Engagement Opportunities
For Immediate Release Please
Date: January 13, 2025
Program Contact: Lucy Zwigard, Healthy Acadia, lucy.zwigard@healthyacadia.org, (207) 255-3741 and Kirsten Tenney, Full Plates Full Potential, ktenney@fullplates.org
Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, Healthy Acadia, tracey@healthyacadia.org, (207) 667-7171
Washington County Food Council Revitalized, Prepares for 2025 with Exciting Events and Community Engagement Opportunities
Washington County, Maine — This month, Washington County Food Council (WCFC) is celebrating its revitalization in Spring 2024 after a hiatus of several years, marking nearly one year since the community-based group returned to serve as a vital connector in the local food system. Co-facilitated by Lucy Zwigard of Healthy Acadia and Kirsten Tenney of Full Plates Full Potential, the WCFC is proud to unveil a newly created logo, designed by East Machias artist Raven Berry, which debuted in December 2024.
The WCFC’s mission is clear: to build capacity to monitor, evaluate, and improve the performance of Washington County’s food system, working towards making it more culturally, economically, and socially vibrant. The Council also aims to increase access to healthy, local foods and promote environmental sustainability for future generations.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
As the WCFC moves into 2025, community members are encouraged to get involved in several ways. The WCFC will host quarterly meetings open to the public, providing a platform for diverse voices and expertise in the food system, from farmers and fisherfolk to healthcare workers and artisans.
Save these dates for the WCFC’s quarterly meetings in 2025, which will be held on the following Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.:
February 4 (virtual via Zoom)
May 13 (Location TBD)
September 9 (Washington Academy School and Community Garden, to be confirmed)
December 9 (Location TBD)
Additionally, the council is partnering with University of Maine (UMaine) Cooperative Extension and regional experts to produce the Eastern Maine ROOTS (Regional Opportunities in Ocean, Timber, and Soil) Conference at the UMaine Machias Campus on March 22, 2025. This event will explore essential topics such as Wood Banks and Food Banks, natural resource stewardship, and community connections through food, forestry, and fisheries. For more information, contact Rachel White at rachel@maine.edu.
A Strong Return in 2024
Throughout 2024, the WCFC reestablished itself as a key player in Washington County’s food system, hosting bi-monthly meetings across the region. These gatherings included special events such as pressing fresh apple cider at the Cobscook Institute in September and a Fire Cider-making workshop (with local ingredients and homemade apple cider vinegar!) at UMaine Machias in December. The council's momentum has attracted new members and strengthened connections among participants.
The WCFC extends a special acknowledgment to Vanessa Young for her instrumental role in revitalizing the Council in 2024. Her leadership in organizing the Machias Community Supper from May to September has been deeply appreciated by the community. She continues to serve the community and youth in her work at the Lubec Community Outreach Center.
Looking Ahead: Building Connections and Supporting Local Food Systems
The WCFC continues to focus on increasing visibility and support for local farms, agricultural initiatives, and community projects such as the Machias Area Community Supper. Future efforts will include collaborations to bring similar supper programs to more communities across Washington County.
Those interested in staying connected with the WCFC can subscribe to the council’s newsletter for updates on meetings, events, and opportunities to engage with the local food system. The Council also invites community members to join its Facebook group for ongoing updates and resources.
For more information or to get involved, contact Lucy Zwigard at lucy.zwigard@healthyacadia.org or Kirsten Tenney at ktenney@fullplates.org.
About the Washington County Food Council (WCFC)
First established in 2013, the WCFC plays a key role in bringing together diverse community members to improve the local food system. Its mission is to create a food system that is vibrant, sustainable, and accessible to all. Learn more by visiting our website or attending one of our quarterly meetings. Learn more about the Council’s history at https://healthyacadia.org/hffa-wccfc.
Full Plates Full Potential is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood food insecurity in Maine. Through partnership building, community engagement, and advocacy for systemic change, Full Plates works tirelessly to ensure that all Maine children have access to nutritious meals. For more information about our organization and initiatives, please visit FullPlates.org.
Healthy Acadia is a 501c3 nonprofit community health organization working to build vibrant communities and make it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s health initiatives, visit www.healthyacadia.org.
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