Food Distribution

Food distribution occurs every third Saturday of the month from 6:00-7:30AM at our firehouse on 180 Depot Street.  We utilize a uniquely designed “drive-through” system.

The timing of distribution helps clients stretch their resources until the next month’s assistance.

The pantry serves about 350 families or 700-800 people.  We accept clients from Unity, the surrounding area, and anyone in need.

Contact us for more information.

Our gardening education program which teaches our clients and volunteers food production skills they can use at home.  This way they can provide for themselves and share the bounty with the pantry.  Our goal is to help clients become successful gardeners!

The program consists of 3 major parts:

1. -gardening classes taught by veteran organic farmer Joyce Benson
   

2. -onsite garden at the VRFP headquarters
   

3. -free home garden assistance, including tillage, seeds, and advice.
   

Contact us for more information.

Gardening Class

Cooking Classes

The Open Door

Gleaning

The VRFP is now running a cooking program to educate members about how to make the most of local, seasonal produce, and your food budget.

Classes have been taught by Monica Murphy,

owner  of Crosstrax Neighborhood Deli and other volunteers.

Contact us to register. 

Some members of the VRFP collaborate with the Quaker Hill Christian Church to hold a week-long soup kitchen during the fall, winter and spring months.

The meal is free and open to all, regardless of income status. 

Meals are served weekdays the last full week of each month at 11:30AM-12:30 at the Unity Community Center at 32 School Street.

Contact us for more information.

Here’s an overview of the programs

that make up the work of the VRFP.

Gleaning is the gathering of lower-grade, but still nutritious and tasty, vegetables from agricultural fields.

We partner with MaineVOAD and others to coordinate gleaning with generous farms and businesses to prevent waste.

Contact us for more information.

programs

Food Preservation Workshops

We are currently hosting a series of hands-on food preservation classes for our clients and volunteers.  Topics covered include canning, freezing, and food safety instruction for students to use at home.

Professional food educators from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension service.

Contact us to register or for more info.

VRFP