Wertheim quoted in Maine Public report on Maine Harvest for Hunger
Maine Public quoted Frank Wertheim, an associate extension professor of agriculture/horticulture with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, in a report on Maine Harvest for Hunger. The program, run by UMaine Extension, has donated 23,000 pounds of produce this year to food pantries, soup kitchens, and directly to people in need, according to Maine Public. This is the result of efforts by more than 500 volunteers, who sometimes go to farm stands at the end of the day and pick up produce that would not otherwise be purchased and eaten. “Whereas on other farms they’re calling us when they’re done harvesting particular crops, and they know that there’s more in the field, and it’s going to go to waste because they’ve already got what they can get to market to market,” Wertheim said. Maine has the highest rate of food insecurity in New England and the ninth highest in the United States, according to the report. The Associated Press also reported on the Maine Harvest for Hunger’s yearly donation total. U.S. News & World Report and News Center Maine carried the AP report.