Damariscotta’s FARMS Community Kitchen is one of 12 recipients of the Maine Local Foods grants program, as was announced this week by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Maine Sunday Telegram and its new food and sustainability publication, SOURCE.

The grants program, launched in April, was designed to support nonprofit local food distribution organizations in Maine (including farmer’s markets, food pantries, community co-ops, statewide or regional farm-to-school programs, community or school gardens) with individual grants of up to $15,000.

FARMS will use its grant of $10,600 to purchase needed kitchen equipment. Hands-on cooking classes will begin in October, according to Executive Director Heather Burt.

“We mean to inspire people of all ages to relearn the art of eating locally, nutritiously, and with openness to trying new things,” she said.