Kennebec Local Food Initiative
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Sincere thanks goes to
our donors and sponsors:
Gardiner Board of Trade, J.W. Robinson Welfare Trust, MaineGeneral Health
to
the greater Gardiner community for contributing money, time and space
And to
Gardiner Main Street for acting as our fiscal sponsor
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What We Are All About…
The MISSION of KLFI is to grow the edible economy in the greater Gardiner area.
The VISION of KLFI is of a vibrant community in which people have access to, are invested in and reaping the benefits of locally-produced and healthy foods.
The GOALS of KLFI are to:
- increase access to and demand for locally/sustainably produced foods
- preserve and encourage small-scale farming and production by ensuring their profitability
- educate with regard to nutrition, cooking, food preservation and agriculture
- help revitalize downtown Gardiner
To meet these goals, KLFI focuses on projects and services geared toward creating more economic markets for farmers and producers, connecting consumers with local and healthy food sources and educating about food. These include but are not limited to:
- promoting events, groups and organizations that are related to local and healthy food
- establishing an online buying club to provide convenient, affordable access to farm-fresh foods from Maine producers
- opening a food store and café in Gardiner that is dedicated to local, healthy and affordable food and houses an educational kitchen
- hosting workshops, classes and presentations on nutrition, food preparation and preservation, sustainable agriculture and gardening
- increasing SNAP (food stamp) purchases of local and healthy foods
- collaborating with other organizations to foster a strong local food system
To read an article about our beginnings, click HERE. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Some Preliminary Research…
In late spring 2011, the folks at KLFI conducted a SURVEY to test out the viability of some of the plans. The hardcopy version was distributed through area businesses and organizations and at the Gardiner Farmers’ Market; people were also directed to an online version through facebook, our webpage, and various listserves. The intention was to reach a diverse group of people, not just those we knew would be interested.
More than 245 people responded and all 12 of the communities in our proposed service area were represented. The majority of people who responded indicated that they would like access to affordable, nutritious foods produced in Maine, that are free of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and artificial ingredients. Close to 97% of respondents stated that they would shop at a food store in downtown Gardiner that sold those kinds of products, and many also reported an interest in learning about nutrition, cooking and food preservation. These results encouraged us to move forward with our goals.
To see a synopsis of the complete survey results, click HERE.
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The Online Buying Club…
After completing the survey, our first big project has been to establish an ONLINE BUYING CLUB in cooperation with the Gardiner Farmers’ Market, Crown O’ Maine Organic Cooperative, and other local vendors. For a small annual fee, the buying club allows shoppers to purchase a variety of farm-fresh foods from Maine farmers and producers. Customers set up an account through the Kennebec Local Food Initiative and place orders online at www.klfi.buyingclubsoftware.org on a bi-weekly basis. KLFI staff and volunteers process the orders and prepare them for pickup the following week at a central location in Gardiner. Payment (by cash or check) is accepted at time of pickup.
The Buying Club’s online catalog offers a wide selection of affordable, nutritious, farm-fresh foods from dozens of Maine producers. Items include: meat, eggs, dairy products, seafood, potatoes, beans, fruits, vegetables, berries, grains, baking mixes, condiments, preserves, frozen treats, and much more! List prices are set by the producers, and a modest markup of 20% is added to cover the buying club’s operating expenses.
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WINTER/ SPRING BUYING CLUB SCHEDULE – 2012 |
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| Order Times
5:00pm Sunday to 11:00pm Wednesday |
Order Dates |
Pickup Dates |
Pickup Times 8am-1:30pm 4-6:30pm
Pickup Place 339 Water St. Gardiner ME |
| Sun. 2/12 – Wed. 2/15 | Fri. 2/24 | ||
| Sun. 3/4 – Wed. 3/7 | Fri. 3/16 | ||
| Sun. 3/18 – Wed. 3/21 | Fri. 3/30 | ||
| Sun. 4/1 – Wed. 4/4 | Fri. 4/13 | ||
| Sun. 4/15 – Wed. 4/18 | Fri. 4/27 | ||
| Sun. 4/29 – Wed. 5/2 | Fri. 5/11 | ||
Currently, the KLFI Online Buying Club is supported through funding from MaineGeneral Health, and is sustained through the ongoing involvement of Maine farmers and community members. Thanks to all involved for your support of Maine’s edible economy!
For more information about the KLFI Online Buying Club, please call 207-712-9734 or send us an e-mail at klfi@gardinerfarmersmarket.org. More details will be added here soon! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cooking Matters in Gardiner…
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (and FoodCorps), Caring Community Gardens, and KLFI have partnered together to form COOKING MATTERS IN GARDINER. With the help of Good Shepherd Food Bank and Cooperative Extension, the regional partners of this national program, we are hosting several class series. The teen class is already underway at the Boys & Girls Club, headed up by coordinator Stefany Gregoire and featuring chef Mike Flynn and Nutritionist Debbie Barnett.Cost: There is no charge for this series
KLFI is also pleased to announce the Cooking Matters for adults class. Join chef Darrell Handley and nutritionist Debbie Barnett for a six-week class geared toward adults. Learn how to prepare healthy, delicious meals and stretch your food dollars. Lessons feature hands-on learning, group discussions, a shopping challenge, recipes and free ingredients for you to practice with at home.
Dates & Time: 6 Wednesdays beginning February 22 from 6-8 pm
Location: Faith Christian Church, Rt. 201, Gardiner, across from the Laura E. Richards school
Space is limited so please call soon with questions and to sign up: 207-712-9734.
Cooking Matters is open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals.
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Other Work In Progress…
We are currently working with the GARDINER FARMERS’ MARKET and are one of several community partners helping to establish the workings of the FARM TO SCHOOL FoodCorps project which is being overseen by Healthy Communities of the Capital Area. For more information about this project, click HERE.
We are also developing a FOOD FILM SERIES to be shown in the local community in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for more information!
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Our Organizational Structure…
The Kennebec Local food Initiative is currently under the fiscal sponsorship of Gardiner Main Street, which gives us an anchor, a place to strengthen our roots, and the ability to raise funds. Our intention is to work towards transplantation, eventually becoming an independent non-profit organization. To learn more about Gardiner Main Street, click HERE.
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How To Contact Us…
By Mail: Kennebec Local Food Initiative, 4A Foundry Lane, Hallowell ME
By Email: klfi@gardinerfarmersmarket.org
By Phone: 207-712-9734
And please be sure to “Like” us on Facebook!