Located on the grounds of Franklin Memorial Hospital, between Mt. Blue Health Center and the hospital in Farmington, the Hope Harvest Garden is a 60 x 110 foot garden plot, on a sunny southern exposure. It is a collaboration between Healthy Community Coalition, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners, Franklin Memorial Hospital, Western Maine Community Action, and local groups and businesses. Over 175 volunteers were involved in growing more than 2,200 pounds of chemical-free produce that was donated to area food pantries. The goal is to raise awareness of food pantries’ needs, increase access to fresh produce by pantry clients, and use the garden as a learning tool for the community. Volunteers are needed to assist with planning, cultivating seedlings, soil preparation, planting, weeding and harvesting produce in the Hope Harvest Garden. The 60 x 110 foot garden plot, located on a sunny southern exposure on the grounds at Franklin Memorial Hospital, is a collaboration between Healthy Community Coalition, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners, Franklin Memorial Hospital, Western Maine Community Action, and local groups and businesses. On average volunteers were involved in growing more than 2,200 pounds of chemical-free produce that was donated to area food pantries. The goal is to raise awareness of food pantries needs, increase access to fresh produce by pantry clients, and use the garden as a learning tool for the community.<\/p>\n