Ken Johnson was the guest speaker Tuesday January 13th, 2026. He spoke on food insecurity and how his organization, Farms For Food Equity helps channel wasted produce from local farms to families who need it.
Tuesday. January 13th, 2026.
Ken Johnson was the speaker on Tuesday, January 13th. Ken spoke about the good work that Farms for Food Equity does. Ken is on the board of directors. He is retired from the food industry.
Farms For Food Equity has an established network of Maine farms and utilizes an existing distribution infrastructure to provide hyperlocal, nutritious, desirable food to pantries and food assistance sites. In Cumberland County it's estimated that over 34,000 households are food insecure. At the same time, it is thought that as much as 30% of crops are often left unharvested. FFE tries to put them together, thereby avoiding waste and help get a supply of nutritious food to families who need it.
In the last five years they've delivered over 600,000 lbs of produce. They have 14 farms in their network. They are supported financially by 17 foundations or organizations and over 200 individuals.
Because Farms For Food Equity purchases overruns, imperfect, or less than market grade produce that might otherwise go to waste, 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.
They run a number of community fundraisers throughout the year, and point to other ways people can help:
- Shop at farmers markets, farm stands or join a CSA to keep food production local. Support food hubs and nonprofits that turn local product into meals for families in need.
- Support policies that strengthen small farms and protect farmland to keep MAine's food system thriving.
- Host a Fresh Food Fundraiser, volunteer your time and skills.