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
1 MILLION POUNDS & COUNTING!
Since 2020, Farms for Food Equity has been working with Maine farmers to purchase fresh, surplus and second-grade produce that might otherwise go to waste—and get it to food pantries and community organizations in Maine.
Together, we’ve now moved 1 MILLION POUNDS of fresh Maine produce from local farms and contributed to 1.8 MILLION MEALS for neighbors who need it most. And we think that’s worth celebrating!
Join us at our Annual Fall Harvest event featuring local Maine food + drink prepared by Big Tree Catering, one-of-a-kind auction items (coming soon!), a wine pull, and a whole lot of fun as we celebrate this incredible milestone.
Thursday, November 5, 2026 6:00PM-8:00PM
Big Tree Catering at Local 188
685 Congress St, Portland, ME
Come raise a glass, raise some money, and help us keep it GROWING!
THANK YOU to our Event Sponsors,
Partners & Host who make this all possible!
Event Sponsors: CPRC Group, Lee Auto, Titan Mechanical
Food & Beverage Partners: Rosemont Market & Bakery, Winter Hill Farm, Oxbow Brewing Company, National Distributors, Harbor Fish Market, Royal River Oysters, Jordan's Farm, Six River Farm, Two Farmers Farm & Goranson’s Farm
Event Host: Big Tree Catering
Bring your friends and family! We’ll celebrate how far we’ve come and kick off fundraising for the next million pounds of fresh Maine produce.
When purchasing your tickets, please consider joining the
HOST COMMITTEE!
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!
