Catholic Charities breaks ground on garden
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
CHAPMAN — Catholic Charities’ food pantries in Aroostook County will have a selection of fresh vegetables to share with those in need this fall, thanks to the generous donation by Martie and Jim Pritchard of land in East Chapman which will be used by the agency to raise food which will be distributed through the various food banks in Aroostook County. The project is called Farm for ME and food raised will aid those in need throughout the region.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
GARDEN PARTY — Land was recently made available by Martie and Jim Pritchard in East Chapman for Catholic Charities to use as a garden, with vegetables raised being distributed through the agencies food banks throughout Aroostook County. The program is called Farm for ME. Present for the official groundbreaking were, from left: Frank Beaulieu, who helped clear the field of grass; land owner Martie Pritchard, member of the Farm for Me Steering Committee; Jim Krysiak, Catholic Charities employee; Dixie Shaw, director of Catholic Charities’ Aroostook agencies, with the Pritchards’ dog, Bright; land owner Jim Pritchard, committee member; Jeff Tiner, COO, Catholic Charities, based in Portland; and Chip Beckwith, committee member and project manager for Earthlife sales with Casella Organics.
A TRACTOR and cart were used to spread fertilizer at Farm for ME, located in East Chapman. The land will be managed by Catholic Charities, with food raised being distributed through various food pantries throughout Aroostook.
“We own 200 acres and have been members of the GIFT board,” said Jim Pritchard, member of the Farm for ME Steering Committee.
“We know Dixie (Shaw, director of Catholic Charities in Aroostook County) and decided to donate land for use as a garden, which will benefit the food pantries,” said Martie Pritchard, member of the Farm for ME Steering Committee.
She said faith played a major role in their decision.
“We believe in the Holy Spirit. He leads in things like this,” said Martie.
Neighbor Frank Beaulieu assisted the Pritchards in preparing the field last year, with Catholic Charities officials having the site tested to determine if it could be used for a garden. A Walmart grant was instrumental in the process, while other organizations also contributed to the project.
“Casella Organics donated ash and poultry litter. They are based in Portland, with offices in New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine and Vermont,” said Chip Beckwith, member of the Farm for ME Steering Committee and project manager for Earthlife sales, with Casella.
Jeff Tiner, chief operating officer for Catholic Charities, based in Portland, was on hand for the project’s kickoff event, held in June.
“We’re very excited to get this off the ground. It’s a great opportunity. Once established, crop yield is expected to be 50,000 to 60,000 pounds of fresh vegetables, which will be distributed through our food bank system. Everything grown will be distributed throughout the County,” said Tiner.
Tiner credited Walmart’s involvement for making the garden a reality.
“Walmart’s really made this happen. We received a (Walmart) grant for $80,000 which allowed us to work on infrastructure and buy equipment,” he said. “This allowed us to do the garden at minimal cost.”
According to Tiner, harvesting will be done by volunteers, helping to keep costs down.
“We engage a significant number of volunteers throughout the state for our various programs. It’s a cooperative effort,” he said.
This marks the first garden for the agency but officials are optimistic about future possibilities.
“This is a pilot project. We’re looking to the experience in the County and hope to replicate this garden throughout the state to address the issue of food insecurity,” Tiner explained.
The Pritchards agreed that the time was right for this project.
“The timing is unbelievable,” said Jim.
“The planets and God had something to do with it,” said Martie.
Tiner said initially plans included planting cover crops of turnip, squash and beets.
“They were chosen due to their long shelf life. Potato growers donate large amounts of potatoes. We’re looking for commodities we won’t be replicating. We hope to expand and broaden the selection in time,” said Tiner.
The project, according to Tiner, has a “tight connection to the mission of our organization.”
“This is an absolute pleasure for us to be able to acquire a piece of land for use as a garden that will benefit so many,” said Tiner.
Martie said for years she’s wondered how she could do more to help others. This was just one way of doing just that.
“We bought the farm 18 years ago. Every time we came around the corner (heading home) we’d see the top of our barn and say a prayer thanking God. We asked if there was anything we could do for others. This was His answer,” said Martie.
“This was a combination of Dixie and us seeing the same needs. We had the place and she has the abilities,” said Martie. “We’re all in this together to help others.”
