#mainershelpingmainers — Public Fediverse posts

#Midcoast #Maine - #MerrymeetingGleaners #SharingTables

"The Sharing Tables are unstaffed tables of free produce available for anyone to take from anonymously.

Tuesdays:
- #CurtisMemorialLibrary , #BrunswickME (12-2pm) (year-round)
- #PattenFreeLibrary , #BathME (12-2:30pm) (year-round)
- Landing YMCA, Brunswick (12-2pm) (ends in October)
- Parkview Hospital, Brunswick (12-2pm) (ends in October)

Wednesdays:
- #TopshamPublicLibrary (12:30-2:30pm) (year-round)

Thursdays:
- Bath Area Family YMCA (9-11:45am) (year-round)

Fridays:
- Welcome Center, #BrunswickLanding (1-3pm) (ends in October)
- Tedford Housing, Brunswick (1:15-3:15pm) (ends in October)

Source:
https://www.mchpp.org/gleaning

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood
#MainersHelpingMainers #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood
#FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #ZeroWaste #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity #Gleaners #SharingTables

I had #Narcan training today. Even though there's stuff out there that doesn't respond to Narcan, I felt an obligation to be prepared in case I encounter someone who needs it. I've been spending more time looking for places where #Unhoused folks are camped out in #PortlandME to see what their needs are , and will have extra Narcan on me to distribute to folks who might need it. My mom and my niece died from an overdose. Having Narcan around might have saved both of them.

#Homelessness #SubstanceUse #MainersHelpingMainers #HarmReduction #SubstanceAbuse

I just heard back from #MerrymeetingGleaners. I'll have some updates to which #SharingTables will be running though the winter, and which ones will only run through October.

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodSecurity #MainersHelpingMainers

Well, I guess #JanetMills just made up for some of her bad decisions... By making sure the #WinterShelters have more funding to help #unhoused and #HousingInsecure #Mainers! A lot of them were closed last winter during a brutal cold snap. NOT ACCEPTABLE!

#MainersHelpingMainers #HousingCrisis #HousingForAll #HousingInsecurity #WarmingShelters

#Gleaning with #MidCoast #HungerPrevention Program reduces waste and increases community

Maya Khalil, Posted July 14, 2025

"This summer, I feel very lucky to be completing a fellowship with the #MerrymeetingGleaners group at Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. This fellowship, funded by #BowdoinCollege ’s McKeen Center for the Common Good, has provided me with knowledge and hands-on experience I will carry with me throughout college and my career. Before I began this fellowship, you could say I was 'gleaning-curious.' I was familiar with the basic concept — volunteers harvest surplus crops from farms, which they donate to #HungerRelief efforts — but I had never actually gleaned. Now, I glean three mornings a week, traveling to local farms to pick everything from strawberries to Swiss chard.

"Gleaning is an elegant way to fight both #FoodWaste and #FoodInsecurity . Farming yields are inherently imprecise. They are influenced by weather, pests and many other factors outside of human control. That unpredictability, paired with a fast-moving economy, is challenging and often leads to surplus crops staying in the fields. Gleaning can rescue thousands of pounds of produce and provide fresh, local, nutritious meals to folks who may not be able to access them otherwise. It takes time, patience and hard work, but the process is powerful and rewarding. About halfway through the harvest season, we have rescued almost 3,000 pounds of produce, equivalent to about 2,500 meals! I am so grateful to the folks at #SixRiverFarm, #GoransonFarm and #HarvestTide #Organics who open their fields to this work."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/07/14/gleaning-with-mid-coast-hunger-prevention-program-reduces-waste-and-increases-community/

Archived version:
https://archive.li/Lkg1E

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood
#MainersHelpingMainers #MCHPP #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood
#FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #ZeroWaste #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity

I'm checking with #MerrymeetingGleaners to see how long they will be providing seasonal #SharingTables (I know they run June - September).

Here is the Summer schedule:

"The Sharing Tables are unstaffed tables of free produce available for anyone to take from anonymously.

Tuesdays:
- #CurtisMemorialLibrary , #BrunswickME (12-2pm)
- #PattenFreeLibrary , #BathME (12-2:30pm)
- Landing YMCA, Brunswick (12-2pm)
- Parkview Hospital, Brunswick (12-2pm)

Wednesdays:
- #TopshamPublicLibrary (12:30-2:30pm)

Thursdays:
- Bath Area Family YMCA (9-11:45am)

Fridays:
- Welcome Center, #BrunswickLanding (1-3pm)
- Tedford Housing, Brunswick (1:15-3:15pm)

Source:
https://www.mchpp.org/gleaning

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood
#MainersHelpingMainers #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood
#FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #ZeroWaste #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity #Gleaners #SharingTables

UMaine Extension Gleaning Handbook

"Webster’s New World Dictionary defines gleaning as “to harvest grain left behind by reapers.” The Maine Harvest for Hunger program has adapted the gleaning model to help get more nutritious, fresh food to more community members in need. Thanks to the generosity of local farmers, #MasterGardener Volunteers and other trained volunteers are invited into the fields to harvest designated produce for local pantries and soup kitchens. Learn more at the Maine Harvest for Hunger website.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension considers gleaning to be food harvested/sourced and transported for donation to food pantries and other organizations that provide food for those who are food insecure. This food can come from community gardens, home gardens, farm stands, and farmers markets. It can also be grown on commercial farms, where the farmer allows volunteers to glean on their farm. Crops typically gleaned are those that keep well or have a long storage life. However, even crops with a short shelf life can be gleaned if it is done quickly and the food is properly distributed for consumption or preserved for later use.

#UMaineExtension is involved in gleaning because food insecurity exists in every Maine county. Extension has a long history of addressing the research and education needs of Maine’s farming and home gardening communities with its focus on the Maine Food System. Gleaning is one way to reduce food waste and get local food to its best use—feeding local people—quickly.

Information in this handbook does not necessarily pertain to every gleaner/gleaning group, every time. It is an outline of potential ways to do gleaning. Being organized is essential, whether at a farm, garden, or pantry. Being organized includes knowing who does what, when, and where, so that the food gathered does not go to waste.

All sections can stand alone, so it is not necessary to read this handbook in a specific order. Feel free to skip to the topics relevant to your situation. This handbook is organized from the general to the specific and ends with inspirational success stories and a list of additional resources.

[...]

"Late summer is when squash, beans, flowers, and corn are typically in season. Fall is the season of hard squash, root vegetables, and potatoes, which are long-lasting storage crops. In the fall, apples are also a natural “group glean” for schools, companies, and families. Apple picking is a fall tradition, and this is a good “first glean” for new groups of volunteers. Gleaning can occur in test fields after data has been gathered at educational farms or even at farms that are growing plants to test for seed production. In Maine, #JohnnysSeeds has always been very generous when it comes to gleaning their fields."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/harvest-for-hunger/gleaning-handbook/#additional-resources

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood
#MainersHelpingMainers #MOFGA #UMaineCooperativeExtension
#NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood
#FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #ZeroWaste #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity #HarvestForHunger #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #MerrymeetingGleaners #AndroscogginGleaners #ApplePicking #EndOfHarvest #FoodSafety #YarmouthCommunityGarden #CumberlandCountyGleaning #MaineHarvestForHunger

Community-Based #SharingTables Offer New Way to Ease Hunger in #Maine

By Kathleen McLaughlin
September 1, 2024

“We need to have a table in each town. That is the ultimate goal we’re looking at here.” - #ViñaLindley

Read more:
https://www.mofga.org/stories/local-food/sharing-tables-for-hunger-relief/

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood
#MainersHelpingMainers #MOFGA #UMaineCooperativeExtension
#NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood
#FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #ZeroWaste #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity

#Wigons has been a #PortlandME staple long before I moved to #Maine. It's the end of an era, but Sally Wigon (106 years young) is going out of business in style -- giving away #OfficeSupplies to local teachers for their students!

In business for 94 years, Wigon Office Supplies gives stock to teachers before closing

The stalwart of Portland’s Old Port is holding a back-to-school giveaway as its 106-year-old owner prepares to shutter the shop this fall.

by Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer, 8/25/2026

“I’ve loved every year of this,” Wigon said via email. “If these supplies can help even one teacher get their classroom ready, that’s the best way I could ask to put them to use.”

https://www.pressherald.com/2026/08/25/in-business-for-94-years-wigon-office-supplies-gives-stock-to-teachers-before-closing/?uuid=1089429b-60a9-4dc4-b5bd-eb5443af5e17&lid=243139

#SolarPunkSunday #Kindness #SmallBusinesses #LocalShops #MainersHelpingMainers

#JacksonME #FoodPantry

"The #JacksonFoodPantry is a volunteer organization serving residents of Jackson, #MonroeME, #BrooksME, #WaldoME, #SwanvilleME, #ThorndikeME, and #TroyME, with donated and purchased foodstuffs, personal care items, and cleaning supplies when available at no cost. [Along with fresh, locally grown produce when in season]

Location: Jackson Community Center at 262 Village Road in Jackson

Upcoming dates for 2026:

June 19, 2026
July 17, 2026
August 21, 2026
September 18, 2026
October 16, 2026
November 20, 2026
December 18, 2026"

Related news article....

Jackson food pantry serves hundreds with fresh, local produce

Updated: May 15, 2026

https://www.wabi.tv/video/2026/05/15/jackson-food-pantry-serves-hundreds-with-fresh-local-produce/

FMI about the Jackson food pantry:

https://www.jacksonmaine.org/jackson-food-pantry

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodInsecurity #FoodSecurity #FoodPantries #FoodPantriesMaine #MidcoastMaine #MainersHelpingMainers #LocalProduce #FreshProduce #EatHealthy #HelpingOthers #BuildingCommunity

So, in local elections, two of the #CommunityGarden organizers (and advocates for #OpenSpace) were elected to the town's #Selectboard! Excellent!

#MainePol #LocalPol #LocalGovernment #MainersHelpingMainers #PreservingOpenSpace #BuildingCommunity

#MaineDSA x #Presente! #FoodBrigade

Start: Saturday, June 27, 2026•09:30 AM
Location: The location will be given once the sign up form has been filled out

"Volunteer with Maine DSA at Presente's Food Brigade. Which is their #BarrierFree community food and resource distribution program.

During the Rationing & Box-Making Shift (9:30am-12:30pm), you'll support the team by rationing dry food boxes for distribution to community members!

If you are interested in volunteering Please RSVP and fill out the sign up form emailed to you."

FMI and to volunteer:
https://actionnetwork.org/events/maine-dsa-x-presente-food-brigade-5

#DemocraticSocialists #Maine #MainePol #MainersHelpingMainers #FoodSecurity #ResourceDistribution #DSA #MutualAid

This event has passed. But keep an eye out for more from presenter #ViñaLindley !

#Online - Produce #SharingTables: An Approach to #GardenGrown #FoodAccess

April 7 @ 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Free – $15

"This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

This webinar will explore #WaldoCounty Bounty’s Give and Take program, a stigma-free model for sharing surplus #GardenProduce through community drop-off sites. Participants will learn how the program operates, how new sites are selected, and how to start a #GiveAndTake site in their own community. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to address farm losses and food insecurity in rural Waldo County, #Maine, where nearly 6,000 residents face #FoodInsecurity, the program connects local #gardeners, #farmers, and #neighbors to expand access to healthy, local food.

Speakers: Viña Lindley, UMaine Extension Horticulture Professional and Mattie John Bamman, Waldo County Bounty Communications Coordinator"

FMI and to register:
https://www.mofga.org/event-calendar/produce-sharing-tables-an-approach-to-garden-grown-food-access/

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood #MainersHelpingMainers #UMaineCooperativeExtension #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood #FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #LocalFood #OnlineWorkshops

#BathME - #SharingTable

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Library Park Gazebo, #PattenFreeLibrary

"Free fresh vegetables gleaned from local farms provided by the #MerrymeetingGleaners and #MidCoast #HungerPrevention Program. Find the Sharing Table outside the Children's Room from September-May and in the Gazebo during the summer.

"Sharing tables are open to anyone, there is no income or residency requirement and they are 100% anonymous. The tables are stocked with fresh produce as well as some prepared items, processed using any surplus gleaned food. Take what you need and leave the rest for your friends and neighbors. Produce will vary depending on what is available from the farms and gardens. Please bring your own bags. Learn more about this terrific program."

http://www.merrymeetingfoodcouncil.org/merrymeeting-gleaners

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodInsecurity #Maine #MainersHelpingMainers #FreeVegetables #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity

#MaineNeeds #DreamList for Winter 25/26

by: Heather Tracy

"Baby it's cold outside! We can't keep these items in stock and need your help to ensure all Mainer's are cozy and cared for this fall and winter!"

https://www.dreamlist.com/list/pealrbdtaezelba2adljfatiaa#

@newsbot

#Maine #Mainers #MutualAid #MainersHelpingMainers #Houseless #Homeless
#Unhoused #Donations #PrebleStreet

Winter 25/26 for #MaineNeeds

by: Heather Tracy

"Baby it's cold outside! We can't keep these items in stock and need your help to ensure all Mainers are cozy and cared for this fall and winter!"

https://www.dreamlist.com/list/pealrbdtaezelba2adljfatiaa#

#Maine #Mainers #MainersHelpingMainers #Unhoused #Donations #MaineNeeds

#Unhoused Gear

ACCEPTING:
Tents
Sleeping bags
Sleeping mats
Personal sized coolers
Water bottles
Adult backpacks, duffel bags
$5-10 DD gift cards
Smartphones (w/ charger)

https://www.maineneeds.org/donations

@newsbot

#Maine #Mainers #MainersHelpingMainers
#Unhoused #Donations #PrebleStreet

#MaineNeeds - We strive to get basic, essential resources to those who need them most.

DONATION HOURS:
Tuesday 10am-1pm, 6pm-8pm
Thursday 10am-1pm
Saturday 10am-12pm

Location:
Maine Needs
2385 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04102

Please bring donations to the doors around the back of the building. We’ll meet you inside to sort through your items together!

What we need - DONATION Guidelines:

Give like you are giving to your best friend - washed and in great condition, no stains, tears or pet hair. No formal wear or business attire, no political, religious or crude language. PLEASE NO BIG, BLACK TRASH BAGS- please sort into smaller reusable grocery bags, paper bags or other totes.

Please note:

If you have something to give that isn’t specifically listed here, you can always ask a volunteer at drop off to sort through your donations with you. We can generally take in season clothing for all ages/sizes unless specifically stated otherwise.

If you have items we can’t accept, we will do our best to help you find another place to donate to."

https://www.maineneeds.org/donations

#Maine #Mainers #MainersHelpingMainers
#Unhoused #Donations #PrebleStreet

#PortlandME - #PrebleStreetResourceCenter - #FoodDonationsNeeded

Food & Pantry Top Needs

- Ground coffee
- Jelly (smaller jars preferred)
- Juices
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken and Spam)
- Marinara sauce (jars or flip top cans)
- Canned black beans (flip top cans preferred)
- Dried pasta of any kind
- Hearty canned or jarred soups
- Canned or jarred stews (beef stew, chili with meat, vegetarian options, etc.)
- Oatmeal (especially microwaveable and flavored packets)
- Hot Chocolate packets
- Ensure Protein Shakes
- Cheese (especially American and Cheddar)
- Soft granola bars
- Cereal
- Pancake mixes
- Snack items (microwave popcorn, packaged nuts, chocolate covered raisins/almonds, yogurt covered raisins/almonds, etc.)
- Condiments (salad dressings, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, oil & vinegar)
- Pickles
- Holiday treats/snacks

WHEN AND WHERE TO DONATE
Food

Food Security Hub
75 Darling Ave, South Portland
Pantry Entrance (left side of the building)
7 days a week: 9am-3pm

Non-food items [see next post]

#MaineNeeds
2385 Congress Street, Portland, ME

https://www.preblestreet.org/you-can-help/in-kind-donations/

#Maine #Mainers #MainersHelpingMainers #Unhoused #FoodInsecurity #Donations #PortlandME #PrebleStreet

#Maine - Local businesses poised to help residents during #SNAP funding pause

Maine Public | By Michael Livingston
Published October 28, 2025 at 3:09 PM EDT

"Local businesses are stepping up across Maine to provide food and supplies for people who will go without SNAP benefits in November due to the government shutdown.

"Nearly 170,000 Mainers are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which provides an average of $572 per family every month.

"#SamsItalianFoods, which has multiple locations in the #LewistonAuburn area, plans to give away 10' cheese #pizzas to SNAP families with children in November.

"Store manager Trisha Cottrill said she's watched the generosity spread to other businesses ever since state officials announced the federal government warned them that it will not be distributing benefits last week.

" 'I opened my Facebook this morning and saw that #JustInTime is doing something. #NuttyNettiesCafe is also doing something,' Cotrill said. 'It's really great that the community, as a whole, is pitching in to help ease the burden on families.'

"Receiving a pizza at any Sam's location will require proof of I.D. with a SNAP or #EBTCard with the child present. If a parent wants to eat with their child, Sam's will offer a 10% discount.

"Over a third of all SNAP households have children, according to state data.

"Grocery stores like #MegunticookMarket in #CamdenME are also giving away free food and supplies.

"Owner Nishant Patel said he gave away dozens of bags of fresh produce over the weekend which included tomatoes, onions, bananas and bread."

[...]

"According to Maine DHHS, SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards in October remain available for use to purchase food. Those who need additional resources are encouraged to call their local #FoodPantry or #Call211.

See below for additional businesses that have announced food assistance initiatives via social media:

- Taj Indian & Indo-Chinese Cuisine (#SouthPortlandME)
- Nutty Nellies Cafe (#AuburnME)
- Fresh off the Farm (#RockportME)
- Just-In-Time Recreation (#LewistonME)
- Family Time Dine and Play (#AuburnME)
- J&H Pizza (Auburn)
- Marvelous Macarons (Auburn)
- Bucksport Nutrition (#BucksportME)
- Provender Kitchen & Bar (#EllsworthME)

Read more:
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-10-28/local-businesses-poised-to-help-residents-during-snap-funding-pause

#SNAPCuts #MutualAid #FoodInsecurity #FoodAssistance #FreeMeals #Mainers #MainersHelpingMainers