Solidarity, Not Charity: What Affects One, Affects Us All

Solidarity Harvest was started in 2003 as a way for unions to provide laid-off union workers and their families a proper Thanksgiving meal. Over the years it has grown with Maine’s rising level of food insecurity. With over 40 union locals, faith-based and civic organizations, and nonprofits, 1,300 baskets were distributed across Maine in 2018. This year’s goal is another 1,300 baskets, with each basket containing over 28 lbs of 9 different types of produce; enough food to feed 8-10 people! 

All of the food in the baskets are purchased (not donated) from Maine farms and food producers. It is all fresh produce from potatoes to cranberries; not a single can is included! Turkey and stuffing are the only products in the baskets that are not produced in Maine. More than 450 volunteers come together to assemble all of the baskets! The Eastern, Western and Southern Maine Labor Councils sponsor the program and it is organized by a nonprofit in Brewer called Food AND Medicine. 

Food AND Medicine organizes and empowers low-income and working people to address the root causes of poverty. For information about Solidarity Harvest and how you can volunteer or donate please visit http://www.foodandmedicine.us/solidarity-harvest/ or call (207) 989-5860. Contributions should be made out to Food AND Medicine, 20 Ivers St, Brewer, ME 04412.