WALDO COUNTY — Waldo County Bounty’s Seedling-to-Pantry project is helping more people grow their own food and improve personal food security. This spring, Waldo County Bounty distributed more than 10,000 popular vegetable seedlings to 13 local food pantries and soup kitchens to share with their guests. The organic seedlings were grown locally by Villageside Farm and included tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and herbs. 

At the Belfast Soup Kitchen, the seedlings were displayed outdoors on tables so guests of the soup kitchen could choose their favorites to take home. In total, staff gave out more than 1500 popular vegetable seedlings.

“Belfast Soup Kitchen is grateful to partner with Waldo County Bounty to offer our guests the opportunity to grow their own food!” said Cherie Merrill, Executive Director of the Belfast Soup Kitchen, in a Waldo County Bounty news release. “A garden returns the investment you put into it, not just in food, but in joy, peace, and a real connection with creation. Guests left the Belfast Soup Kitchen filled with the excitement and anticipation of the delightful food they could watch grow.”

Waldo County Bounty launched Seedling-to-Pantry in 2020, and it has become a true community effort, according to Waldo County Bounty. Each year, food pantries provide lists of their guests’ preferred seedling types, and Waldo County Bounty works with local farms to fulfill the requests. Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs), trained by the UMaine Cooperative Extension, attend distributions to help pass out the seedlings, answer questions, and provide gardening tips. MGV Connie Bellet told WCB the seedlings will make an especially big difference this year. 

“There was so much storm damage to clean up that gardens were tended a little late,” said Bellet. “The seedlings were a real boon. The varieties are just what people were looking for, and the Boothby's Blond cukes were a special treat. This saved a number of elders a trip to the nursery and added expense.”

Waldo County Bounty is committed to strengthening the local food system through the power of fresh foods, and it purchased the high-quality, organic seedlings from Villageside Farm in Freedom, ensuring the funds both supported our local farms and returned to the local economy. 

“We really appreciate this partnership with Waldo County Bounty,” said Polly Shyka, owner of Villageside Farm. “It supports our small farm business, our family, and our employees, and it fulfills our interest in addressing food insecurity issues in our community. We love playing a part in people growing their own food!” 

Waldo County Bounty’s programming is just ramping up for the season. Give & Take stands are popping up along roadsides, and shipments of fresh, nutritious produce are flowing to food pantries and soup kitchens countywide through its Farm-to-Pantry and Veggies For All Gleaning programs. To learn more or to make a donation to support this vital work, visit waldocountybounty.org and follow WCB on Facebook and Instagram.