Veggies to Table has been awarded $70,743 from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for a new heated greenhouse, a long-held dream that will help the nonprofit farm grow more top-quality produce and flowers to donate and create new opportunities for people to learn, volunteer, and build community year-round.

Once built, the greenhouse will be transformational for the farm. Protected growing space will extend Maine’s short growing season, improve crop reliability and resilience, and ultimately allow Veggies to Table to fill the plates of even more neighbors in need of nourishing food and joyful flowers.

The greenhouse will equip the farm with a dedicated, all-weather space for workshops, classes, volunteer training, service learning, and hands-on agricultural education in every season. The greenhouse will be a place for people of all ages and walks of life to come together. At a time when loneliness and social isolation affect so many people in Maine, Veggies to Table is committed to creating a place of belonging where people can grow, learn, work, and connect.

“More nourishing food for our neighbors. More opportunities to learn and grow together. And, for the first time, a dedicated space to welcome our community in every season. We are so grateful for Maine DACF’s investment in the next chapter of Veggies to Table,” said Erica Berman, executive director of Veggies to Table.

Opportunities to learn and gather on the farm are already growing. This fall, Veggies to Table is welcoming guests for free guided farm tours on Oct. 7 and 23, a dahlia dividing class on Oct. 20, a free Fall Fest with seasonal crafts and activities on Oct. 24, and a free workshop on putting the farm to bed on Nov. 9. Once built, the heated greenhouse will allow the farm to expand these offerings and welcome even more community members for hands-on learning throughout the year.

Community members can also support the farm’s next chapter at their Harvest Dinner on Oct. 17 at The Contented Sole in New Harbor. The evening will feature a harvest-inspired dinner and a raffle full of prizes from beloved local businesses, with proceeds supporting Veggies to Table work to bring real food to real people. For Harvest Dinner tickets and to register for upcoming workshops and farm tours, visit veggiestotable.org/events.