KINGFIELD — At Eve’s Garden, the dedication to fighting food insecurity runs deep, with a commitment to reducing food waste and ensuring nutritious food access across Maine.

Founded by Kate and Michael Spardello, the nonprofit has rooted itself in Franklin County with a mission to support those unable to consistently access meals. The organization, inspired by summer gardens with fruits and vegetables, is expanding its impact through community support and the innovative use of freeze-drying technology.

Spardello explained that Eve’s Garden started from the couple’s desire to use their skills to support others. “Michael and I reflected on what we are good at and how we could transfer those skills to positive impacts on the world around us,” she said.

“We determined that we are good at cooking, and so opted to make meals for people in Franklin County who are housebound, elderly, or physically or financially unable to access or prepare meals.” This initial phase of meal support, begun in 2019, proved invaluable, allowing them to fill an urgent need within the community.

Soon, the Spardellos recognized a need to expand meal preservation efforts for those requiring extended support. They began by freezing meals to ensure supply continuity, especially for those with limited access. “Franklin County is gigantic geographically,” Spardello said, “and so supplementing the fresh meals with frozen meals allowed us to serve more people more frequently.” Their work to combat food insecurity was bolstered by an innovative transition to freeze-drying, which has enabled them to prepare food with a shelf life of up to 25 years.

“Stamping out food waste really requires the ability to preserve food long term and so the freeze-drying component became necessary,” Spardello added.

Eve’s Garden has broadened its reach by collaborating with farms and food producers throughout Maine to rescue surplus harvests that might otherwise go to waste. Spardello shared, “If someone produces 400 pounds of blueberries, we are able to freeze-dry and package those blueberries for long-term storage, thereby avoiding food waste,” she explained. “Apples, too, which are a mainstay of Maine food crops.” For Spardello, the freeze-drying method is about more than just preservation; it’s about providing accessible, high-quality food to those who need it. She noted that the process “removes all of the moisture from the item,” effectively guarding against moisture, light, and bacteria that could spoil food.

The mission at Eve’s Garden goes beyond providing meals; Spardello said it’s about embodying the belief that it is up to communities to care for their communities.

Spardello emphasized, “The core value shapes our day-to-day operations profoundly, as it is fundamental to every choice we make.” This commitment has shaped the nonprofit’s practices and its partnerships, which include collaborations with community organizations, food pantries and local grocers.

The organization has also focused on providing for Maine’s “low barrier food pantries.” Spardello explained, “These pantries provide food without restrictive requirements, and we support their mission that if a person or family is hungry, then that person or family deserves food.” This belief has driven Eve’s Garden to supply meals and other essentials, including personal hygiene products and pet food, to those who might otherwise go without.

Running a nonprofit dedicated to food assistance comes with its challenges, particularly around funding. “It obviously takes money to purchase foods, the gasoline to deliver meals and the electricity to preserve them,” Spardello said. They’ve managed to overcome these hurdles by creating perpetual fundraisers, such as selling freeze-dried candies, ice creams, and fruits to sustain their operations. However, competition has increased in the freeze-dried food market, creating new challenges. “The space has become quite crowded in the past year,” she added. “We continue to pursue these routes and are grateful for the people who continue to seek us out.”

Another obstacle has been handling misinformation about their organization from others in the community. “Another challenge, related to the more competitive environment, is how to handle other organizations when they say false things about us in order to peel away our ability to raise funds for our program,” Spardello explained. “We resist the impulse to lash out, but, gossip being the virus that it is, we worry that some people believe the false and vicious rumors and choose not to support our mission. We have not yet determined how best to overcome this looming threat.” Despite this, she and Michael remain committed to focusing on their mission, believing that the positive impact they bring to communities outweighs the challenges they face.

Looking to the future, Eve’s Garden has ambitious plans. “We are always seeking to serve more people across wider swaths of Maine,” Spardello shared, hinting at new ideas for 2025 that will enable broader participation and deeper community engagement. For now, they continue to connect with supporters at local events like the Farmington Fair, where they educate attendees about their mission and identify those who may benefit from their services. “We love attending events in Farmington, Wilton, and other areas in Franklin County because that is where we are based,” she said. These events allow the Spardellos to foster relationships and build awareness around Eve’s Garden’s goals.

In addition to freeze-drying conventional produce and pantry staples, Eve’s Garden is dedicated to sustainability by freeze-drying commonly discarded items like citrus peels and strawberry tops, which are rich in nutrients. “We also freeze-dry food components that many people would consider throwaways, which contain valuable antioxidants, vitamins and nutritive elements,” Spardello explained. This focus on sustainability aligns with their mission of reducing food waste and fostering environmental responsibility.

Community support is integral to Eve’s Garden, and Spardello highlighted how individuals can contribute to their mission. “A primary way that people can be involved is to speak to their local grocers and ask them to carry Eve’s Garden freeze-dried items,” she said. Donations, from food and funds to gas cards, are also welcomed.

Reflecting on the personal impact of this work, Spardello expressed a profound sense of purpose. “Truly, Eve’s Garden and its mission have provided the meaning and purpose of life that was missing for many years,” she said. Through Eve’s Garden, the Spardellos have witnessed the generosity and kindness of their community. “We have learned that so many people want to help others within the community, even the slightest kindness can make a huge impact,” Spardello added.

Those interested in supporting Eve’s Garden can reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at 207-340-8215.