Solidarity Harvest The signs of fall are here, which means families are already making plans for the holidays. However, this can be a hard time for many who might not be able to afford a meal to celebrate this Thanksgiving. Solidarity Harvest, a project sponsored by Food AND Medicine and the Eastern and Western Maine Labor Councils, is an effort to support and show solidarity to families facing lay-offs and other hardships at Thanksgiving. Solidarity Harvest began in 2003 as a response to a landslide of mill closings that left thousands of workers without jobs. For the past 10 years, unions, farmers, faith communities, volunteer organizations and businesses have come together to provide locally grown and purchased Thanksgiving meals to laid-off workers and families who have hit hard times. In an effort that is focused on solidarity, not charity, volunteers will deliver the baskets of locally sourced food to each family with the knowledge that we are all in this effort together. We are all in the same boat, and only through mutual support can we make things better for all Mainers. In its largest effort ever, this year Solidarity Harvest plans to deliver meals to 1,000 families across the state. The Thanksgiving baskets are filled with food grown and made by local farms and bakeries, to show solidarity with these working families. Along with this growth, the number of volunteers has grown exponentially–almost one hundred people will volunteer in different capacities to accomplish this massive task. Some volunteers are former recipients who are now giving back to the program in a number of ways. Former and current recipients donated handmade items to the auction fundraiser in August. Others who received meals in the past gave financial contributions and volunteered countless hours to make this year a success as well. As much as possible, the foods purchased for the baskets are grown or made by small farms and bakeries here in Maine. Local sourcing ensures families receive high quality food, supports local farms, and keeps funding here in our communities, building a healthier economy for all. Many unions, organizations, colleges, students, and churches commit countless hours of time and energy and generous financial donations to make the project possible. If you would like to donate or volunteer, contact Erin Sweeney at 989-5860 or by email to [email protected]
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 18:45:04 +0000
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