Traditional bean hole bean supper to benefit fight against local hunger

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Seen here are Sandra Witas and Barbara Murphy, representing Maine Harvest for Hunger, as Heidi Thibeault and Faith Wilson of Bangor Savings Bank present them with $1,000 support check for the Maine Harvest for Hunger Taste of History Bean Hole Bean Supper to be held at the Information Center in Rumford on July 4.

RUMFORD- The University of Maine Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener Volunteers are sponsoring their second traditional bean hole bean supper on Wednesday, July 4 at 11 a.m. at the Information Center on Route 2. The baked beans, cooked by the Rumford Fireman's Relief Association will be served with ham, coleslaw, bread and dessert.

The rain or shine event will benefit Maine Harvest for Hunger, a statewide program of UMaine Cooperative Extension that encourages gardeners and farmers to donate high quality, excess produce to those with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Generous financial support from Bangor Savings Bank will allow all proceeds from the supper to benefit the Oxford County Maine Harvest for Hunger gardens located at the extension office in South Paris and at Hosmer Field in Rumford.

“The money will be combined with the profits from last year to build a much-needed walk-in cooler,” stated Barbara Murphy, Extension Educator. “Demand for the produce has grown at both the South Paris and Rumford sites.”

Sandy Witas, Oxford County Master Gardener Volunteer, noted, “We typically serve over 50 families every Tuesday evening with our distributions throughout the summer and fall harvest months.”

The Maine Highland Fiddlers will be playing Cape Breton Island Celtic music during the supper. Informational displays will give the community a snapshot of the work being done in Oxford County, specifically in the River Valley. In addition to the bean dinner, there will be a pie auction and native dry beans will be for sale.

Cost for the meal is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors (60 and over) and children under 14 years of age. Quarts and pints will be available to take out and orders for mill employees can be made by calling 357-7663.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Sandy Witas at 364-7408 or Barbara Murphy at 743-6329.