To the editor:
If one has ever built a business from the ground up or has had the privilege of becoming the director of a newly created non-profit they will soon realize there is a process called, “evolution.” During this process gaffs will occur and successes will be identified. Certainly one can learn from gaffs and
should continue to build upon success. Many both far and near have contributed their resources, finances, and wisdom to our effort in feeding the hungry that live among us. To all, “Thank you on behalf of those Friends of Aroostook (FoA) serves.”
For the purpose of this letter I would like to share the success and growth FoA has experienced the past six years. With that said I would like to share a part of our history and vision as to how our SFPP (Summer Fresh Produce Program) has evolved and where it is going.
In 2008 there were no organizational programs in place in Aroostook to grow, maintain, harvest, and distribute fresh produce. Although there are other programs being developed to address County hunger needs by growing fresh produce in Aroostook, FoA was the first to take on this challenge and is becoming a model for others.
Aroostook has been and continues to be our primary area of focus. In 2009 Winship Family Farms provided, prepared, and helped maintain fields in the greater Houlton area for FoA to grow fresh produce. In faith we grew three acres of mixed vegetables without the proper ability to distribute due to the fact fresh produce may vary in maturity dates and has a limited shelf life. Thankfully Aroostook Area Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program stepped up to identify needs, coordinate deliveries, and although often overburdened, made direct distribution to the elderly, County soup kitchens and food pantries, as well as others that could handle and distribute fresh produce.
Although FoA plants crops with projected harvest dates in mind fruits and vegetables have their own mind and harvest dates are altered from time to time due to maturity dates. Dottie Sines, nutritional director, for Meals on Wheels made all alterations and delivery date adjustments to ensure receivers were supplied with fresh unaltered produce. This in itself was no easy task.
In 2010 FoA experienced another growth spurt. Dick York, co-owner of Nature’s Circle Farm, introduced us to organic farming, provided organic fields for our SFPP, and was available 24/7 to assist us in our first year of organic farming. Both he and David continue to be FoA’s greatest source of information when it comes to planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops.
2011 was another year of growth. FoA continued to serve The County, amounts provided were increased, and Meals on Wheels continued to identify needs as well as perform all distribution tasks.
During the summer of 2012 FoA began building a relationship with the Mainers Feeding Mainers (MFM) program. Their mission is to purchase and provide locally grown produce and distribute at a local level. Their mission lends well to ours and our partnership continued providing fresh produce to County food pantries.
This effort has evolved into our “Farm to Pantry Program” that now serves pantries from Eagle Lake/Madawaska to Danforth/Wytopitlock and pantries in-between. MFM developed an avenue that gives us direct contact with affiliated pantries, amounts per pantry are predetermined based on numbers served, and some pantries pick up produce at a predetermined site as well as us providing direct deliveries. Our schedule consists of FoA harvesting fruits and vegetables on a given day, pantries receive the produce the following day, and the fresh produce reaches the consumer’s table well within its shelf life. We like to use the term “Field Fresh.” Also, Meals on Wheels continues to be at the top of our list when it comes to fresh produce provision.
In 2013 we purchased all tractors and farm implements to farm independently. This was made possible through funding from a generous anonymous sponsor. Personally I believe the “the purest form of giving is that of giving without expectation.” Also we entered into a long-term lease on an area farm with intentions to purchase. A big thanks is given to the Quimby Family Foundation for helping to begin the process of making farm purchase a reality.
As we close out 2014 and with excitement look toward 2015, I’ll leave my personal thoughts and factual information with you the reader. Friends of Aroostook was Aroostook County’s first organization to take on the challenge of growing food, establishing a Farm to Pantry, and providing locally grown fresh produce for the hungry who live among us. Due to the initial lack of infrastructure and our capability to grow more than we could distribute, FoA had the ability to provide for the hungry outside of Aroostook. But as needs are being defined and met through our ACSP (Aroostook County Seniors Program) and FTP (Farm to Pantry) in the county we are now increasing volume supplied on an annual basis. And as director I only see this volume growing. Also in 2014 we were able to implement a new WCSP (Washington County Seniors Program) and a FTP in Washington County. Washington is Maine’s most underserved county, a generous benefactor is aware of the needs in this area of Maine, and chose to fund our pilot year in this county.
During the summer, fall, and early winter months FoA provided 39,820 pounds of locally grown fresh produce for Aroostook’s elderly, working low-income, and others who live in hungry homes. Plus many in need were allowed to come to our fields and harvest for their personal family needs. I have estimated they harvested a minimum of 5,000 pounds based upon average crop yields.
The success of our season was made possible through the efforts of paid staff and many volunteers. With respect to all volunteers I would like to acknowledge one group. The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department created a work release program to assist FoA in feeding The County’s hungry. Certainly there will be more information released about this program in the future, but for now the public should know that the fresh produce supplied by FoA was in part (must say largely in part) made possible by inmate contributions of labor. These men performed well on our farm and did exceed all expectations during the pilot year of this work release/volunteer program.
In closing I’ll leave my personal thoughts and objectives with you. For more than 30 years I have involved myself in committees and politics within the greater Houlton area to better Houlton’s and Aroostook’s environment. I now have come to the realization that Friends of Aroostook can contribute to the betterment of Houlton, Aroostook, and our great state.
Friends of Aroostook is intended to be an effective organization in providing fresh nutritional produce for The County’s less fortunate. If you would like more information on how you can support FoA, get involved, or in any fashion contribute to our effort of feeding the hungry, please review our website: Friends of Aroostook.com or email: friendsofaroostook@yahoo.com
Dale Flewelling
Executive Director:
Friends of Aroostook
