Arundelian Local food production -

I’ve been noticing that more and more people are producing their own food locally, in and around the Arundel/Kennebunk area – this is certainly an encouraging trend in terms of food security.  We here in the northeast are lucky in terms of the rain we’ve had and our ability to produce our own food.  Many parts of the United States appear to be in the midst of record drought!

It seems like nearly everyone has their own chickens right now – there are several houses nearby that have their own chickens.  We currently get our eggs from a neighbor down the street and I would imagine that with so many chickens all over the place, there are many opportunities to obtain fresh eggs, even for those who don’t have their own chickens.

Frinkelpod Farm
Our friends Noah Wentworth and his wife, Flora started a new organic farm over on Log Cabin Road in Arundel with farmstand and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  It is really amazing and inspiring to see how much they’ve done in the relatively short time since they started!  Their operation  is called Frinkelpod Farm – take a look!  It sounded to me like the plan is to move towards a more permaculturally based model as things get going. 
This just in from the Frinkel Folk (pertaining to another farm here in the 'Del):
"We are excited to announce that we've just begun a new partnership with another small farm in Arundel, Sweet Thyme Farm. Garth & Margaret are UMaine students (he just graduated, she has a year left) and passionate, talented farmers. They are certified organic, growing on his family's land which is also home to a maple syrup operation, and currently sell at a couple of markets, but have found that they have more produce than they can sell right now. Since we have sometimes struggle to keep up with the demand from our CSA members and other customers, it seems a natural fit for us to carry some of their produce along with ours as needed. This partnership really fits in with our mission to support young and new farmers while also helping us keep the stand as stocked as possible with fresh, high quality veggies"


Random Arundel and Kennebunk area local food related links
Speaking of permaculture, Lisa Fernandez has created a FANTASTIC group up in the Portland area – Portland Permaculture (and Resilience Hub).  They are incredibly active and a great group of people. Participating in some of their many activities can do nothing but good for us all.
The Kennebunk Farmers Market is another great place to get fresh local food.
Kennebunk Community Garden is another great food production project going on.
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ML Day School Garden
A couple years ago, I built a raised bed over at ML Day school in Arundel with some of the Summer Rec kids using materials donated by Builder’s Supply in Biddeford and Home Depot (also in Bidd).  The garden effort over there didn't go very far beyond just building the raised bed, which is currently being used as an area to build fairy houses, but perhaps it is time to give it another try.  Anyone interested in helping out getting a garden started over there?