Dexter Community Garden Expands to Support Local Food Access

The Dexter Community Garden plays an important role in increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce in the area. Each summer, volunteers grow and deliver vegetables to approximately 30 older adults in the community. This year, garden organizers are expanding their efforts by also contributing to Heart of Maine Resource Center’s monthly food distributions.

Amanda Bermudez, one of the garden volunteer leads, shared, "The Dexter Community Garden serves roughly 30 local seniors by growing and delivering fresh produce throughout the summer months. This year we are trying to expand our output in order to supplement the Heart of Maine Resource Center's monthly food distributions. It has been wonderful to get connected with new local volunteers who are willing and able to help with the garden's many needs."

Community partnerships and donations have helped support this growth. Palmyra Walmart donated wheelbarrows and gardening tools; Helios Horsepower Farm and Corinna Gardens contributed seedlings including tomatoes, broccoli, and brussel sprouts; Dexter Lumber and Yoder's Sawmill donated lumber for more raised beds; and volunteers from Walmart and United Way of Eastern Maine participated in work days at the garden. Artist Tiare Osborn donated hand-painted signs, and a local community member contributed a hoop house to expand the garden’s growing space.

The garden also received a $10,000 grant from Community Health Options to support the installation and heating of the hoop house. Once operational, it will extend the growing season into colder months, and potentially allow for year-round food production.

Entirely volunteer-run, the Dexter Community Garden continues to grow through strong community involvement. With this season’s expansion, the garden is helping ensure more neighbors have access to fresh, nutritious food close to home.

Want to get involved?

The garden welcomes new volunteers of all experience levels and can always use extra hands. Donations of gardening supplies, tools, and seedlings are appreciated, and financial contributions help cover the cost of soil, seeds, infrastructure, and ongoing improvements. If you're interested in volunteering or supporting the garden in any way, please email us at info@theheartofmaine.org.