Save our seedlings! This week we had a devastating setback to our farming season: For the second year, we had partnered with a local greenhouse to grow seedlings to supplement what we produce at Hurricane Valley Farm, but sadly, they have closed, breaking our contract without warning, and we are scrambling. Every year we provide approx 40,000 seedlings, mostly culturally important varieties that aren’t readily available, to our program participants. These seedlings are essential in Maine’s short growing season and the foundation of our community food programs and the livelihoods and food security of farmers and gardeners that we support.
We need your help. Farming always includes rolling with the challenges and making it work, but changing our seeding plans this late in the season means increasing our staffing, buying additional equipment, and dozens of other costs we had not budgeted for. We have reached out to the farming community and will get through this. If you are able, please consider making a donation to help support Cultivating Community’s seedling operation this season.
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Garden Registration Underway
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Today, March 29th is the last day for returning Portland Community Gardeners to register! If you currently have a plot and are planning on returning this growing season, we need to receive registration and fees by the end of the day. If you need help registering or have any questions reach out to garden@cultivatingcommunity.org or call us at 207-761-4769.
Registration for new gardeners begins mid-April! We’ll reach out to new gardeners on the waitlist by email, text, or phone depending on indicated preference or need for language support, to let them know that there’s a garden plot available and share the next steps for registering and orientation.
Thank you to our Community Garden Sponsors for helping to sustain this program! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, learn more on our new website or reach out to info@cultivatingcommunity.org for a garden tour.
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We’re Hiring a Community Garden Engagement Coordinator!
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 We’re seeking an engaging, community-minded leader to join our small but mighty Urban Agriculture team. This part-time position will lead volunteers, support our Community Garden program, cultivate community partnerships, and be a valued member of our diverse team. Read the complete job description here.
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and any questions to info@cultivatingcommunity.org by April 15th.
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Youth Leadership Program Receives Grant from Department of Education
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In March, we were thrilled that our Youth Leadership Internship Program was awarded a Department of Education’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative grant, which supports access to the outdoors for middle and high school students.
We were granted $81,000 in ARP ESSER funds from the USDOE for our Youth Grower summer programs for Portland Public High School students. This will cover over half of our program costs, ensuring that we can be fully staffed and have the supplies needed for the season. Thank you to the Maine DOE, and congratulations to our Youth team and all of the other awardees who provide kids access to the joys of outdoor education and experiences!
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Volunteer Days Return in 2024
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Whether you want to learn more about growing vegetables, become more involved in your community, or just spend time outside and get your hands dirty, there’s a variety of opportunities to engage in Cultivating Community’s work!
This summer, we’re hosting Community Volunteer Days from 1 to 3 pm on the first Thursday of the month, May through October. If you’re interested in attending a volunteer day this season, fill out the volunteer inquiry form on our website and we’ll send updates about events and ways to get involved. |
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FSNE Racial Equity Challenge
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 Join Cultivating Community’s board and staff in participating in Food Solutions of New England’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge. Starting April 1st, participants will receive a daily email with a short reading, video, or audio file that will deepen your understanding of and willingness to confront racism.
This challenge is free and open to everyone! Register here.
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Meet Our Board of Directors –
Nick Escobedo
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We are thrilled to introduce you to one of our newest board members, Nick Escobedo (he/him)!
Nick joined the board in 2024 after serving a year in AmeriCorps as the Food Fuels Learning Coordinator at the Cumberland County Food Security Council. In this role, he worked with nonprofits around the Greater Portland area to empower school administration and nonprofits to collectively reduce food insecurity.
In 2022, Nick graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a degree in Political Science and Public and Professional Writing, which he hopes to utilize in advancing the nonprofit community of Portland and Maine.
Nick is now the Program Development Consultant at the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), working to develop programs in Maine to support communities of all kinds. As a part of the ICNA’s Domestic Relief branch, Nick plans to implement programs in Maine that include food distribution, case management, school supplies distribution services, and more.
Nick enjoys cooking, reading, and exercising. His favorite thing to grow is cilantro for its versatility and flavor.
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Interested in learning more about board service, or joining a committee? We are accepting applications for new members! Cultivating Community is especially looking for volunteer board members who have experience with our programs or legal expertise.
Please fill out this form to the best of your ability. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Silvan Shawe, Executive Director, at info@cultivatingcommunity.org.
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We are a grassroots organization and depend on our donors to help make our work possible. Please contribute if you are able. Volunteer time and in-kind donations are always welcome. Reach out to info@cultivatingcommunity.org with ideas or to learn more about how to get involved.
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