Great things can happen when good friends with big hearts and fine minds have a good idea. Growing to Give stands as a shining example.

When Patty Carton and John Newlin bought a 40-acre farm on the outskirts of Brunswick in 2002, they had no idea that their farm would one day serve as a model for dealing with two major issues in society: climate change and food insecurity. They thought that Scatter Good Farm would provide a nice home setting for their two sons, Mitch and Joe, and serve as a good hobby while they pursued their regular careers.

Patty started her career as a pediatric physical therapist, and she combined her love of horses with her skills as a therapist, started a nonprofit in 1993 for people with disabilities called Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center, now located in Windham, Maine. At Scatter Good Farm, she has run a fiber summer camp for children, teaching animal husbandry, sheep wool processing, spinning, knitting and crocheting.

John worked for 30 years in Maine as a high school teacher, school reform coach, facilitator and nonprofit director. For the past few years, he has been focused on diversifying operations and expanding the use of climate-friendly methods at Scatter Good Farm. He is a climate advocate trainer with Citizens Climate Lobby and the board chair of Unity College, the first college in the U.S. to fully divest from fossil fuel investments.

Theda Lyden, a retired executive chef and veteran organic gardener (and long-time friend of John and Patty) began working at Scatter Good Farm as the part-time farm manager in 2015. The trio decided to begin growing vegetables for the purpose of producing high-end sauces for consumption. At one point in 2016, when way too many peppers had been grown, Theda learned about Merrymeeting Gleaners, a nonprofit group that harvests excess farm and garden produce for donation to food banks and pantries.

Then the idea for Growing to Give took root and the mission became clear: To grow organic vegetables using climate-friendly methods, and donate the produce to local people facing food insecurity through food banks, pantries and kitchens. Drawing upon their significant experience with nonprofits, they went right to work, establishing a nonprofit designation, recruiting a board and establishing ties with pantries, kitchens, elderly housing and Head Start Centers in the midcoast area.

In 2017, their pilot season, Scatter Good Farm grew and distributed over 3,600 pounds of organic produce, the equivalent of 3,000 meals. This year, they will grow and distribute at least 8,000 pounds, while expanding to Durham, Lisbon, Lisbon Falls, Auburn and Lewiston. In 2019, thanks to the expansion of their growing area, they plan to grow and distribute at least 24,000 pounds. Merrymeeting Gleaners continues to serve as an invaluable partner at each step the way.

Because Scatter Good Farm’s focus is totally on serving clients’ needs, it can focus on basic items, such as carrots, broccoli, onions, garlic, winter squash, summer squash, tomatoes and cabbage. Moreover, the clients get totally fresh food — sometimes within an hour of being picked — rather than simply what’s left over.

So there you have it. Good people growing healthy fresh food by using maximally climate-friendly methods and providing it free of charge to organizations and people in need. Now that’s a story — good for the people, good for the planet, just plain good.

NOTE: For information on ways to support Growing to Give — volunteers are always needed and welcome! — go to https://scattergoodfarm.me. A Farmyard Jam will be held on Saturday, June 23 and a Farm-to-Table Dinner and Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18.

David Treadwell, a Brunswick writer, welcomes commentary and suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns. [email protected].