November 14, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

Over five growing seasons, Waldo County Bounty (WCB) has distributed more than 265,000 pounds of locally grown produce to those who need it most in Waldo County. Our local food pantries and soup kitchens used to struggle to access diverse, fresh foods. Now, they experience the joy of sharing in-season crops that connect us all—strawberries, tomatoes, plums, and corn!

 As we celebrate this milestone, we are reaching out to ask you to give generously as part of our year-end appeal. Your one-time or recurring donation will help us sustain our vital mission: to work to ensure that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food by collaborating with local farmers, organizations, and community members towards an equitable food system. Food insecurity affects all of us, and we can make a real change by showing our most vulnerable neighbors that we care.

●      Our Give & Take Program has become a fixture of the county through collaborations with Waldo County town offices, churches, schools, and parks. What started as 9 tables has blossomed into 23 Give & Take stands, where neighbors can exchange locally grown produce at no cost. This model has inspired others around the state.

●      Our Seedling-to-Pantry Program has delivered popular vegetable seedlings to food pantries so more people can grow their own food to improve personal food security.

●      Our Veggies for All Gleaning Program has expanded through enhanced volunteer participation and partnerships with local farms, including Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Each year, it redirects tens of thousands of pounds of produce that might otherwise go to waste to food pantries. 

●      Our signature Farm-to-Pantry Program, a partnership with Daybreak Growers Alliance (DGA), continues to buy local crops from farmers to address local food insecurity, reliably providing fresh produce to all Waldo County food pantries and soup kitchens year-round.

Over half of Waldo County food pantries and soup kitchens are currently seeing increased client demand right now, with some reporting increases of 30 percent. Waldo County has one of the highest food insecurity rates in Maine, which, itself, has the worst food insecurity rate in New England. Approximately 42% of our local population struggles to earn enough to cover the basic cost of living. Whether you are a new donor or long-time supporter, your gift will directly help local families put healthy fruits and vegetables on the table.  

Together, we have the power to help more people access fresh foods while supporting the Waldo County economy. Please give today to be an enduring part of the solution to food insecurity in Waldo County.

Sincerely,