Community Champion: Non-profit Empowers Maine Families Through Farming

A non-profit organization in Maine is making a significant impact by providing immigrant families with the opportunity to farm. The initiative, led by Cultivating Community, is helping these families grow their own food, share their culture, and lead healthier lives.

Key Takeaways

• Cultivating Community runs the New American Sustainable Agriculture Project.
• Immigrant families can farm on community plots for a seasonal fee of $30.
• The program includes two community farms and several smaller gardens.
• Farmers sell produce at local farm stands, generating significant revenue.
• The initiative promotes cultural exchange and healthy living.

Cultivating Community’s Mission

Cultivating Community’s New American Sustainable Agriculture Project aims to nourish neighbors and create a sense of community. The program offers immigrant families in Maine the chance to farm on community plots, allowing them to grow vegetables native to their home countries. This initiative not only provides fresh produce but also fosters cultural exchange and community building.

Farming Opportunities

The program operates two main community farms, one in Lisbon and one in Falmouth, along with smaller community gardens in Portland. Immigrant families can lease a plot of land for a seasonal fee of $30. This affordable option is perfect for families who are not yet settled and do not own land.

Health and Cultural Benefits

Amos Kazadi, a farmer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, shared his experience with the program. During the pandemic, he became motivated to lead a healthier lifestyle and grow his own food. The opportunity to farm has allowed him to cultivate vegetables native to his home country, which are otherwise hard to find in Maine. Kazadi also uses this experience to teach his children about their cultural heritage.

Economic Impact

Farmers participating in the program operate farm stands in Portland and Lewiston from July through October. These stands offer a diverse selection of produce and generate nearly $170,000 in sales each season. A significant portion of these sales comes from customers using SNAP/EBT and WIC benefits, making fresh, healthy food accessible to low-income families.

2024 Farm Stand Schedule

• Tuesday: Kennedy Park Farmer’s Market, Kennedy Park, Lewiston, ME, 2:00 – 6:00 pm
• Wednesday: Portland Farmer’s Market, Deering Oaks Park, Portland, ME, 7:00 – 1:00 pm
• Thursday: Riverton Park Apartments, 2 Riverton Dr, Portland, ME, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
• Saturday: Portland Farmer’s Market, Deering Oaks Park, Portland, ME, 7:00 – 1:00 pm

Community Impact

The program has been fruitful for many participants, providing them with a sense of purpose and community. It allows immigrant families to grow and consume fresh, culturally significant produce, which is often difficult to find in local markets. The initiative also helps bridge cultural gaps and fosters a sense of belonging among diverse communities in Maine.

Sources

• Non-profit makes farming possible for Maine families , WMTW.
• Community Champion: Non-profit makes farming possible for Maine families, Yahoo.
• Community Champion: Non-profit makes farming possible for Maine families, Yahoo.