Veggies to Table in Newcastle is thrilled to announce they have been awarded a $7,500 Nourishment grant from the Quimby Family Foundation to be used for operating expenses on their grow-to-donate organic farm Veggies to Table. This grant will help the Lincoln County non-profit ensure that delicious, nutritious produce and joy-giving flowers goes to the people in their community who need it most.

Founded in 2004 by Roxanne Quimby, the Quimby Family Foundation’s mission is to “grow human wholeness by fostering stronger relationships between people and nature.” Their work supports the presence of nature in our lives and communities with two primary focus areas for grants: Movement and Nourishment.

Veggies to Table fits perfectly into this second category. Erica Berman founded the not-for-profit organization in 2019 with her husband, Alain Ollier with the express purpose of helping to meet the immense need for nourishment they saw in their community. 

About 15% of Maine families are food insecure, as they lack consistent access to enough food for everyone in their households to live active, healthy lives; at 20%, the percentage of food-insecure children is even higher.  

Veggies to Table works with over 35 local partner organizations including food pantries, schools, and hospitals, to nourish hungry bodies with top-notch produce and lift hearts with stunning flowers. Since it first started, Veggies to Table has donated nearly 60,000 pounds of produce and 70,000 flowers to countless community members, including local pantries, schools, healthcare workers, teachers, police, the CLC and Boothbay YMCA, Maine CDC, veterans, and staff from Hannaford and Renys and other local businesses and organizations. 

“We feel honored and blessed to receive news of this award,” said Executive Director Erica Berman, “and for being recognized for the emphasis we place on community, equity, dignity, and ecologically sound farming practices.” 

Learn more at veggiestotable.org and quimbyfamilyfoundation.org