edible island programming
A healthy island is an… edible island
Healthy Island Project works to create an environment in which local food systems are strengthened and people are inspired to create, experience, and enjoy good food in their homes, schools, and restaurants.
Our programs include the following:
Cooking Classes
Educational opportunities to learn from chefs and experts in food are offered on an ongoing basis. Previous workshops have focused on foraging, pickling, butchering, Middle Eastern cuisine, sushi making, cocktail mixing, and more. Next class:
Spanish Tapas with Martha Spector
Community of Christ Church, Stonington
Saturday, June 17 @ 2:30pm
Culinary Arts Program
This innovative partnership with the Deer Isle – Stonington High School provides an introductory course into local food systems, culinary safety, food service, business skills, cooking, and baking. Students prepare a weekly lunch for the school in the Mariner Community Kitchen and cook outside of the classroom for the larger community and attendees of HIP events.
Deer Isle FarmDrop
HIP manages the Deer Isle Hub for FarmDrop.us, an online farmers market with convenient community pickup each Wednesday between 3:30-5:30 pm at the Community of Christ Church in Stonington.
“FarmDrop increases community access to locally made and grown products through this restructured food system, which in turn, serves our planet and our place-based sense of self and sovereignty.”
If you are a local farmer or producer and would like to explore selling on FarmDrop, contact HIP or email us at deerisle@farmdrop.us.
Pickup:
Community of Christ Church, Stonington
Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Let's Get Growing
This new program promotes local growing for fun, education, and community resiliency. The program brings together students, farmers, and gardeners, in partnership the Evergreen Garden Club to ensure we have local and sustainable sources of food and community participation in the growing process.
Let’s Get Growing is responsible for the garden, composting program, and rabbitry at the high school.
Magic Food Bus
The Magic Food Bus makes scheduled stops across the greater Blue Hill Peninsular each week during the summer, delivering free, fresh, local produce, health information, and books for children and adults. This program begin in 2011 and is run by Healthy Peninsula. Deliveries are made to Deer Isle on Thursdays, from June – September.
When & Where:
Lily Pond / Deer Run @ 3:00 PM
Island Community Center @ 4:00 p.m.
Men Who Cook
HIP is tackling food and nutritional security in our community
Here are the ways Healthy Island Project is working to ensure food and nutritional security for Islanders of all ages:
- The Stonington Farmers’ Market is now accepting SNAP/EBT! Check in at the HIP booth for information and Maine Farm Bucks.
- The HIP Pantry at Deer Isle – Stonington High School and Elementary School are available after school hours
- Deer Isle – Stonington Elementary School’s Weekend Backpack program
- HIP Pantry items are available the in FarmDrop Community Market
- The Senior FarmShare program
- Participation in the annual Hancock County Food Drive
- Coming Soon: Free Little HIP Pantries in Deer Isle and Stonington!
For more information or assistance accessing these programs, contact Healthy Island Project.
Edible Island in the School
HIP acquires local nonprofit, Edible Island
Healthy Island Project announced a collaborative merger with Edible Island Culinary and Ecological Center in 2019. Edible Island was established by the late Ingrid Bengis to provide education and training in the culinary and hospitality arts as a way to expand job opportunities for island youth. Its mission has emphasized sustainability and increased public awareness of the island’s culinary resources and ecological diversity.
Community Testimonials
“I saw firsthand the number of kids that came to depend on the Smoothie Program in the mornings. It was such a highlight for the students and the teachers. It helped change the culture and climate in our school.”
“The Culinary Arts program provides a unique and beneficial experience to island kids. It gave us a first-hand look at the food industry and what it truly takes to run your own food business or restaurant.”
Partner Organizations
