MDI Food Access Project

A Project of Open Table MDI, in collaboration with College of the Atlantic, Beech Hill Farm, Share the Harvest, The Bar Harbor Food Pantry, Healthy Acadia’s Gleaning Initiative, and Island Connections. 

The MDI Food Access Project provides FREE healthy meals, non-perishable food, and fresh produce to residents of Mount Desert Island, the Outer Islands, and Trenton. Our food delivery van makes several scheduled stops each week. This project aims to reduce food access barriers, decrease duplication of island services, and address unmet food insecurity in MDI’s more remote communities.
THE GOOD FOOD BOX
Each participant will be provided with a food box on a weekly basis containing prepared meals, pantry items, and fresh produce at no cost. The food boxes will be offered at pick-up sites every Saturday and at-home delivery options will be available to those who qualify. The Spring 2023 Session of The Good Food Box is offered for a period of 12 weeks from April 1st through June 17th. The Food Access Project continues to run year-round and Spring participants can choose to be informed once the registration process has opened up for our Summer Session. Please note that to participate in this program you must be a resident of Hancock County.
This program is in collaboration with the Bar Harbor Food Pantry and does NOT disqualify or change one’s ability to utilize the food pantry as needed.  
SIGN-UP PROCESS
After reviewing the information provided, we will contact you via email, phone, or mail to confirm your participation in this program and provide you with details about pick-up locations.
If you would prefer to print and mail your registration, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you new to the MDI Food Access Project? Explore some Frequently Asked Questions – and we hope to see you soon!

Why Do People Participate in the MDI Food Access Project?

People participate in the MDI Food Access Project for a wide variety of reasons:
  • To receive a delicious and healthy meal
  • To receive organic produce from the Healthy Acadia Gleaning Program and Beech Hill Farm
  • To receive non-perishable food from the Bar Harbor Food Pantry
  • To learn more about other resources available in the community
  • To allow their weekly food budget to go a little bit further

Where Does the MDI Food Access Project Van Stop?

During sessions, the MDI Food Access Project van makes regular stops every Saturday to the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor and the Community Health Center in Southwest Harbor.

What Can I Expect in a Typical Food Box?

Here’s what you can expect in your weekly box:
  • Prepared vegetarian meals from Open Table MDI (lasagna, chili, etc. with vegan and gluten-free options available)
  • Pantry items from Bar Harbor Food Pantry (rice, dried beans, pasta sauce, etc.)
  • Fresh produce from Beech Hill Farm and the Healthy Acadia Gleaning Initiative (carrots, onions, cabbage, etc.)
Contents will be 100% vegetarian and vary based on seasonal availability.

Are There Delivery Options?

All food boxes for program participants are delivered to designated pick-up locations each week. However, if program participants experience transportation challenges getting to these pick-up locations, we can sometimes offer delivery of boxes directly to individual homes. Please contact our MDI Food Access Project Coordinator for more information.

How Do People Learn About the MDI Food Access Project?

There are many different ways people learn about the MDI Food Access Project:
  • word of mouth and referrals from others
  • friends and family
  • school administration and teachers
  • health care professionals
  • Our Facebook and Instagram page
  • Local Facebook groups

SPRING SESSION

April 1 – June 17, 2023

LOCATIONS

Pick-Up Available in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Trenton

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Coordinator: Claire Bailey
207-479-1941
Email