Eat Well Volunteer Program
The USDA estimates that 9.5% of Maine’s population is food insecure. With 19 food pantries located between Hancock and Washington counties, it is incredibly important to make food and nutrition education accessible. Traditional resources focus on food distribution, but many pantry patrons are limited by availability and often intimidated by working with unfamiliar produce. By guiding patrons through a recipe, we are bridging a gap and equipping families with the tools they need to be confident cooking at home.
Our Mission
In collaboration with local food pantries and the University of Maine’s Master Gardener Volunteers, the Eat Well Volunteer program brings nutrition education to the public.
Eat Well Volunteers are immersed in food pantry communities and connect with patrons through nutrition education. Patrons receive direct lessons on how to prepare and utilize healthy local produce. Participants gain access to a variety of resources, recipes, and how-to guides curated by the University of Maine’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that not everyone can commit to regular volunteering, or maybe you want to be involved but missed this year’s training. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can still help out in your community.
– Donate extra produce from your garden to the Downeast Gleaning Initiative
– Connect with Healthy Acadia! They offer classes, events, and other community-based activities that promote healthy living
– Participate in the Maine Harvest for Hunger initiative
– Donate to your local food pantries. Please contact the pantry directly to see if and when they accept donations (Hancock County Pantries PDF)
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