MDI Produce Exchange: A Community Space to Share or Pick Up Fresh Produce

Press Release

Sep 28, 2024

BAR HARBOR—Starting October 1, 2024, MDI residents will have the opportunity to participate in the MDI Produce Exchange, a community-driven give-and-take produce trailer managed by Healthy Acadia’s Downeast Gleaning Initiative and located at Peggy Rockefeller Farm in Bar Harbor (538 Norway Drive - accessible via the Crooked Road entrance). This space allows community members to donate excess garden or farm produce or take home fresh food as needed - free of charge.

Using this give-and-take model, Healthy Acadia’s Downeast Gleaning Initiative aims to reduce food waste and expand community access to fresh, local produce. The refrigerated trailer will be open for anyone to drop off fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, or other homegrown items. Community members are welcome to take whatever they need, ensuring food does not go to waste while helping neighbors.

How It Works

Donations: Fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and eggs, can be dropped off at the farm’s refrigerated trailer.
Pick-ups: Anyone can take what they need from the fridge, simply by bringing their own container for transport.

The Downeast Gleaning Initiative will manage the upkeep of the trailer. Community members are asked to fill out a brief form when donating or collecting food, helping to track what’s available. Starting October 1, a list of items available in the produce trailer will be posted on Healthy Acadia’s website so visitors can easily check what's fresh before arriving: https://healthyacadia.org/hffa-mdi-produce-exchange. To access the produce trailer at 538 Norway Drive, visitors should enter via the Crooked Road entrance and follow the signs marked, "Healthy Acadia Produce." The program is slated to run through the end of the harvest season.

Follow @downeastgleaning on Instagram for the latest updates on gleaning efforts across Hancock and Washington counties.

For more information about the MDI Produce Exchange, please contact Molly Hetzel at (207) 406-2614 or molly.hetzel@healthyacadia.org.

Healthy Acadia is a 501c3 nonprofit community health organization working to build vibrant communities and make it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties, and across Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s efforts to address food insecurity, and other health initiatives, visit www.healthyacadia.org.

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