Farms for Food Equity is a nonprofit dedicated to building a just, sustainable food system by supporting farm viability and fighting hunger. We buy surplus produce from local farms and deliver it to hunger relief organizations, getting fresh, local food to those who need it most.
Our Mission
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Guided by the principle that food is a basic human right, Farms for Food Equity (FFE) has established a network of Maine farms that utilize an existing distribution infrastructure to provide hyper-local, nutritious, desirable, food to pantries and food assistance sites. FFE is currently working with 14 Maine farms, and four distribution partners.
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Farmers experience food loss and inefficiencies for many reasons. Most notably, a lack of reliable market can prevent them from adequately investing in their business. Because Farms for Food Equity purchases these at-risk products (overruns, imperfects, etc), farmers have greater market confidence, better income predictability and are able to invest in their workforce. It’s a solution that strengthens our communities and builds resilience in our local food system.
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Maine farms produce a diverse and abundant harvest each growing season, including some produce that may not meet retail standards due to cosmetic imperfections. However, these "off-grade" vegetables—like a crooked carrot, a pudgy cucumber, or curly green beans—are just as fresh, delicious, and nutritious. Farms for Food Equity purchases these farm-fresh and distributes them to food pantries and other food assistance programs, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.
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Food loss (a.k.a. food waste), is a challenge faced by most farms, with more than 30% of crops often left unharvested. This waste occurs for various reasons, including a lack of market demand, labor shortages, surplus plantings, or the need to transition to a new crop. Farms for Food Equity helps address this issue by purchasing excess produce either for distribution to pantries or for light processing which can preserve the products and ensure a steady supply of nutritious food to pantries throughout the off-season.
From Our Founder
Penny Jordan, Founder
“Always seeking ways to change the world or my little part of it”
I’m Penny Jordan, founder of Farms for Food Equity, and I’ve believed since childhood that farming is about more than just running a business—it’s about feeding all people. As a farm owner, I understand the challenge of balancing the demands of the growing season with the desire to support food pantries, food banks, and soup kitchens. It’s not about unwillingness—it’s about resources and the need for a system that supports both the farm’s viability and community needs. That’s why I created Farms for Food Equity: to build a win-win model where farmers can thrive while helping address food insecurity. With deep roots in Maine’s agricultural community and years of experience on both sides—growing food and distributing it to those in need—I’m committed to ensuring that healthy, local food reaches everyone, and that our farms remain strong and sustainable.
SUPPORT & DONATE
The best way to make an immediate impact?
Your gift helps us purchase food from local farms and deliver it where it’s needed most.
Help us build a food system that works for everyone—one that supports local farms and ensures fresh, healthy food reaches families in need.
EVENTS
As we gather in celebration of community and local food, we invite you to be part of something truly impactful. Please join us as we celebrate spring and the beginning of the growing season!
Thursday, May 14, 6:00-8:00 PM
Allagash Cellars, 100 Industrial Way, Portland
Farms For Food Equity works year-round to ensure fresh, local food doesn’t go to waste—and instead reaches the people who need it most. Your donation directly supports our mission: rescuing surplus farm harvests and distributing them to hunger relief partners across Maine.
THANK YOU to our Event Sponsor,
Partners & Host who make this all possible!
Event Sponsor: Verrill
Food & Beverage Partners: Wine donated by National Distributors, beer donated by Allagash Cellars, sausage from Colvard Sausage, cheeses from Winter Hill Farm and Saco River Goat Cheese, oysters from Royal River Oyster Co, dips from Harvest Maine and Shovel and Spoon, crackers and desserts from Rosemont Market, and local veggies from Jordan's Farm
Event Host: Allagash Cellars
PLATES FOR PURPOSE
Farms for Food Equity is proud to continue Plates for Purpose, our monthly fundraising series in partnership with local restaurants that share our commitment to supporting farmers and advancing food access. Each event invites the community to gather around a shared table, where a portion of the evening’s sales directly supports our mission—making it easy to create impact simply by enjoying a great meal.
This month, Plates for Purpose will take place at CHAVAL, a valued community partner known for its commitment to quality, hospitality, and connection. Throughout the evening, CHAVAL will donate a portion of net sales to Farms for Food Equity, helping us source fresh food from local farms and distribute it through trusted partners—strengthening both farmers and families.
Location: CHAVAL, 58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 4:30PM-9:00PM
We invite you to join us—mark your calendar, bring your friends, and be part of an evening where every plate makes a difference.
Thank You For Your Support!
In 2025, Farms for Food Equity shared 176,000 pounds of fresh Maine-grown vegetables with communities across the state while expanding partnerships with local farms and supporters. It was a year of growth, resilience, and powerful community action. Read the full Year in Review to learn more about the impact you helped create.
Our Community Collaborations
Meet Our Farm, Distribution & Community Partners
Thank You To Our Funding Sponsors!
