By Masha Yurkevich
More than 4 million pounds of food were saved from landfills last year and instead provided meals for families in Maine. This remarkable achievement comes from the dedication of Wayside Food Programs, which has been expanding its efforts in communities like Windham through food rescue and outreach initiatives.
Wayside Food Programs is a non-profit that transforms surplus food into community meals. They operate with a commercial kitchen, a talented chef, and fresh ingredients.
Meadow Thompson, the community programs manager, explains, “Our mission is to use food to reduce waste, fight hunger, and strengthen community.” She adds, “With grocery prices soaring, it feels amazing to offer free meals. Everyone is welcome because these events are all about building connections.”
The organization collaborates with local churches, including St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and Windham Hill United Church of Christ, to host rotating free dinners. These meals don’t just fill stomachs; they foster personal connections and support networks among neighbors.
“Watching Windham’s churches unite to provide quality meals is a perfect example of teamwork,” says Thompson. “While most of our meals are in Portland, we’re excited to offer this unique opportunity in Windham.”
At these events, Wayside takes care of menu planning, food sourcing, and cooking. The community dinners occur each Thursday at 5 PM, alternating between two local churches, ensuring a safe and inviting environment.
Meadow emphasizes the importance of community involvement: “As a small team of just eight, we depend heavily on our volunteers. They are the heart of our organization, making our significant impact possible.”
Wayside has more planned for the community, including four free picnics later this year. “These picnics are all about bringing people together and thanking them for their support,” says Thompson.
Beyond the meals, Wayside provides various programs to combat food insecurity. For more information on resources, you can check out their website.
“On our site, you’ll find food pantry information, meal schedules, and more. We don’t limit individuals to just one free meal a week; we encourage everyone to explore different sites,” Thompson notes.
“We’re grateful for the chance to serve fresh, nutritious food to the Windham community. Every meal is prepared with care, aiming to both reduce waste and foster warmth.”
In this era of rising food costs and increasing food insecurity, community efforts like those from Wayside can make a meaningful difference. By combating both hunger and waste, they are doing much more than serving meals; they are nurturing a sense of unity and support within their community.
