Twenty-five community food grants awarded on Blue Hill Peninsula

Twenty-five community food grants awarded on Blue Hill Peninsula

May 30, 2019

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Rachel Keidan

MFT recently awarded 25 Blue Hill Peninsula Community Food grants, totaling $61,613. Projects included starting new community gardens, equipment and infrastructure for farm and food businesses, and purchasing of local food for food security programs for students and summer campers.

The Simmering Pot, which provides weekly meals free of charge, regardless of income in the community, received a grant to purchase meat produced by local farmers for their free Monday community supper. Each Monday they cook and serve about 125 meals. “We really appreciate receiving this generous grant. We know how much it benefits our diners and the local farms we help support,” says Paula Mrozicki, who coordinates the program.

Funds were awarded to the Blue Hill Heritage Trust in order to support their Community Garden Project. Chrissy Beardsley Allen, Development Director for the BHHT explains, “The Community Garden Program is designed to provide a source of fresh organic produce for members of our community facing food security issues and serve as an educational resource for everyone in our community, empowering citizens to learn about leading a healthier life.”

Deborah Joy Corey, of Blue Angel, an organization that distributes food from community and school gardens and greenhouses, states, “we are thrilled to be chosen for this gift of funding. It could not come at a better time as we are building two new gardens this week!” The nonprofit distributes food in the Castine area.

Other grants were awarded to Roaring Lion Farm (a farm in Sedwick with cows, pigs and blueberries), as well as six area businesses who will use the grants for infrastructure equipment. MFT is pleased to facilitate this grant process and in doing so help bolster the local farm and food community on the Blue Hill Peninsula.

Learn more about the Blue Hill Peninsula Food Grants and the grant cycle HERE.

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