A No-Till Grow-to-Donate farm w/Vegetables & Flowers

Maine
A No-Till Grow-to-Donate farm w/Vegetables & Flowers
A No-Till Grow-to-Donate farm w/Vegetables & Flowers A No-Till Grow-to-Donate farm w/Vegetables & Flowers
63 reviews Updated 20 days ago
The farm is located in Midcoast, Maine less than a mile from Damariscotta Lake and downtown Newcastle/Damariscotta. From our door you can walk for hours in the woods on trails that span our and the neighbors’ land (and probably not see a soul), or you can walk to town for a movie, book, or food. Very close by you can swim in the lake and ocean and hike in many beautiful spots. We have over 30 acres of woods, fields and a large organic garden/farm. We have a ton of chickens and roosters. There are wild apple trees and blackberries growing throughout the land. A little history: A few years ago my French husband Alain and I moved to Maine from Paris and bought the land and built our home trying to be as gentle on the planet as possible, responsible, and green. We tried to use only local and reclaimed materials except when truly not an option. We worked with local craftsmen. Every detail was thoroughly thought out. Today: 2026 marks the 8th season for our grow-to-donate farm. It all began with a move from Paris to Maine, a piece of land, and a simple but urgent question: how can we better address hunger in our community? Founded in response to the growing reality of food insecurity in Maine, we grow and donate healthy, nutrient-dense produce to neighbors in need—restoring dignity and choice to those living with hunger daily. Guided by our passion for farming, equity, and social justice, we share top-quality, culturally appropriate vegetables and flowers with people from all backgrounds through more than 35 local partners, including food pantries, schools, hospitals, and summer lunch programs. Our work is made possible by a vibrant, diverse community of volunteers who come together on the farm for the greater good. By complementing existing food security efforts and filling critical gaps, we strive toward a future where everyone has access to nourishing food. Just as importantly, our farm is a place of connection, where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to gather, belong, and build community. Maine is one of the most food insecure states in the US and the most food insecure in New England. The numbers of food insecure people living in Maine are staggering; 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 adults struggle with keeping healthy food on the table. In seven seasons we have grown and donated over 95,050 pounds of organic produce and 153,700 flowers (food for the soul) to create joy. On the farm, you’ll help with all aspects of growing food and flowers from preparing beds, planting, watering, pruning, harvesting, and caring for our crops. You’ll also harvest flowers and create bouquets from the wide variety we grow throughout the season. We’re home to about 50 chickens and two beehives, and we’re happy to share what we know about caring for both. If you’re curious about raising chickens or keeping bees, this is a wonderful place to learn. Most of our meals include ingredients grown right here on the farm. We preserve much of our harvest by freezing tomato sauce, pesto, applesauce, soup, and more. Throughout the winter, we enjoy squash, garlic, onions, carrots, leeks, parsnips, shallots, celeriac, beets, and turnips from storage. We also dehydrate apples and cherry tomatoes, freeze a variety of herbs, and enjoy mint and herbal teas, along with coriander seeds for cooking, year-round. We welcome enthusiastic, hardworking people who are excited to be part of our journey—feeding neighbors in need while learning about organic gardening, farming, permaculture, and living more closely with the land. We ask that you come ready to work hard, stay curious, and engage fully. In return, we’re eager to share our knowledge, skills, and experiences. We look forward to hearing from you. We speak English, French, Spanish and Italian. We are very open and accommodating to any, and all, kinds of people. We love learning about new cultures and places. We love speaking other languages. We are a no smoking and no drug farm. We can accommodate any kind of diet but we do eat local organic meat and dairy products so they will be around. Organic methods: We are organic, just not certified Internet access available. We are currently looking for our crew for 2026. If you are interested, and have experience, please contact me! We will provide healthy produce from the farm and offer excellent food , educate you and have fun while helping to end hunger in our community. Lodging options include peaceful tent platforms tucked into the woods, a small on-site apartment, and, when available, nearby off-site apartments. These spaces offer a balance of privacy and community, giving you a comfortable place to rest and recharge after a full day on the farm. Food is provided and is a central part of life here. Many meals are shared together around the table, creating time to connect, laugh, and unwind. Some meals are enjoyed just with fellow WWOOFers, others with the whole staff and board, and lunches are typically shared on the farm with the crew, often featuring ingredients harvested that day. Cooking, preserving, and eating together are all part of the experience, and food is both nourishment and celebration here. Living and working on the farm offers a rhythm that blends meaningful work, shared responsibility, and simple joys. You’ll have time to learn, ask questions, and build real connections both with the land and with the people around you.
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Flower farming
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
Accommodation
4+ WWOOFers
Bedroom
Campsite
Children accepted
Pets not accepted
Meals
Vegetarian
Length of stay
1-2 weeks
3-4 weeks
Over a month
Erica
Erica
Member since 2018
Languages spoken: English, French, Italian, Spanish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 2 days
Maine
Damariscotta (Bus), Portland, Maine and Boston for airport
Reviews
Finnegan
Finnegan
United States • December 2025
After WWOOFinghere for six months, I've left with a strong knowledge of farm operations, community, and sense of purpose. I came to the farm with a healthy amount of nervousness, but it quickly turned into excitement for the season after meeting the crew & other volunteers that I now consider family. And seeing the beautiful farm, an oasis of organic prosperity, that has been and always will be my home. For most of the season, I stayed on one of the tent platforms back behind the farm. The composting toilet, shower, and screened in kitchen were nearby and it was absolutely incredible to be tucked away in the woods, fall asleep when the sun went down to the sound of owls, and wake up when the sun did, refreshed and ready to start a new day. I stayed with Megan (a board member) in her home with her family for my first and last few weeks at the farm, and they became a second (or third?) family to me. I had volunteered at two other farms previously, and the work here is legit. You will work 30 hours a week, rain or shine. Be prepared to dig out walkways, weed beds, plant, seed, harvest, and perform general farm maintenance as needed. You will work hard and sleep well knowing that you're helping to stop food insecurity in Maine. If you're a young (or old!) person that is energized about providing beautiful organic produce to people in need, you'll be in good company. I STRONGLY recommend WWOOFing here - you'll be a better person because of it!
Erica
Reply from Erica
We loved having Finn on the farm and already miss him terribly! We look forward to staying in touch and seeing him soon! -Erica, Alain, and Mary
Kendal
Kendal
United States • November 2025
WWOOFing here was a pleasant and rewarding experience. They are operating a productive, versatile, and educational project that benefits their community. It was really cool knowing all of our hard work brought food and joy to people who need it. If you’re looking for a structured WWOOFing experience, this would be a good fit. You’ll work set hours (6hrs a day/M-F), usually consisting of tasks done in pairs, sometimes small groups, sometimes alone. Accommodations were very nice, food was provided by group grocery runs & the ample produce on the farm, and the staff running V2T are delightful. I spent my time learning and laughing while munching on good ol veggies… Not to mention the area is so beautiful, as is Maine at large >,< *0*
Erica
Reply from Erica
Thanks so much for the laughter and good cheer (and hard work Kendal) aka: Apical Meristem! Keep us in the loop of your musical, and all, endeavors :)
Emma
Emma
United States • November 2025
I'm grateful that this was my first WWOOF experience. The work was tiring but rewarding, especially with the company of the other WWOOFers, staff, and volunteers. Mary, the farm manager, was funny and gave clear instructions. Farm work can be repetitive, but there was enough variety to keep things interesting -- for example, harvesting different vegetables, cleaning, and packing them, and many end-of-season cleanup jobs. The apartment was comfortable and only a short walk from the fields, which I particularly appreciated in the mornings. Outside of work, I enjoyed spending time with the seasonal staff and WWOOFers, particularly having dinners, campfires, and exploring the neighbouring towns. Highly recommend the insane secondhand bookstore downtown. Thanks to Erica for the unforgettable experience!
Erica
Reply from Erica
Emma, We miss you! Wishing you the best. Please stay in touch! Warmly, Erica, Mary and all of us at the farm
Abigail
Abigail
United States • October 2025
This farm is gorgeous, mission-driven, and community-oriented. The work is fulfilling and the staff are incredibly helpful with teaching newcomers. The accommodations were nice and clean. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Erica
Reply from Erica
Thanks Abby for your work, joy, and lovely photos!! All the best, Erica, Mary and the crew!
Kerri
Kerri
United States • September 2025
I had a wonderful two weeks here WWOOFing alongside the great staff, other wwoofers, and volunteers. We worked 7-1:30 every day (including lunch), and spent most of the time harvesting and processing veggies. Other tasks included planting, seeding, washing equipment, and harvesting flowers. Every day was different, and I learned a ton! A plus was that the area around the farm is beautiful, with plenty of nearby preserves and swimming to enjoy.
Erica
Reply from Erica
Kerri, Thank you so much for the time you spent here. We hope to stay in touch and to see you soon since you are so close! Warmly, Erica
Annika
Annika
United States • September 2025
My time here was so so amazing. I was only able to stay for 2 weeks, but was able to connect with some of the most fun, hardworking, and genuine people. The full time workers are incredibly kind, patient, and eager to show you the ways around the farm. Erica and Alain are so welcoming and overall great people to be around. I chose to stay on one of the camping platforms, and it was a great very private set-up. The area around the farm is close to the coast and so beautiful; many opportunities to swim and explore Damariscotta :) Endlessly grateful for my time here!
Erica
Reply from Erica
It was such a joy to have you here Annika. Please stay in touch!! Hugs, Erica