Parkhurst Dining’s commitment to sourcing fresh, local food isn’t just a promise but a passion. Through our FarmSource Partners program, we connect clients across our 12-state footprint with the best produce, grains, and protein, grown and crafted by dedicated farmers and makers.
Recently Jamie Moore, our Director of Sourcing & Sustainability, set out to source local apples, tofu, and potatoes year-round for all our Parkhurst sites. This hands-on, relationship-driven approach goes far beyond securing the right ingredients: It’s about building a partnership founded on trust.
The Challenge of Sourcing Apples, Tofu, and Potatoes for Guests Year-Round
Apples, tofu, and potatoes might not sound like an appealing dish when combined (although we’re sure our chefs could whip up something terrific!), but separately they are staples in many of our guests’ favorite meals. As we strive to secure the freshest, most flavorful ingredients, we aim to source each one from a local supplier, allowing us to build relationships, give back to communities, and demonstrate transparency about where our food comes from.
Of course, that’s easier said than done, but we have a secret weapon.
An Important Natural Resource: Human Connection
Jamie believes the answer lies in relationships. This summer, Jamie traveled to Maine to strengthen partnerships with three exceptional suppliers: Green Thumb Farms, The Apple Farm, and Heiwa Tofu. More than a business transaction, these visits were about learning each partner’s story, understanding our shared values, and forging the kind of trust and transparency that makes true sustainability possible.
It’s not just about fresh food—it’s about knowing where it comes from, who grew it, and how it got to your plate.
Partner Spotlights
Here’s who guests can expect their apples, tofu, and potatoes will come from at Parkhurst’s Northeastern sites:
- As a third-generation family farm on 2,200 acres, Green Thumb Farms in Fryeburg, Maine supports the local economy by producing top-quality potatoes and corn. We, too, are a family-owned business and appreciate their humble roots dating back to 1965.
- McIntosh, Northern Spy, Golden Russet — The Apple Farm in Central Maine grows old-time apple varieties, continuing the legacy started by Steven and Marilyn Meyerhans in 1973. In addition to being a farm, it’s also a community destination; visitors love to pick apples and experience other charms of the farm. The Apple Farm supplies apples to Colby College, and we’re happy to support this partnership.
- Founded in 2008, Heiwa Tofu, based in Rockfort, Maine, is another small family business that has grown steadily since its inception, crafting small-batch organic tofu utilizing locally sourced soybeans.
KYS Program: Know Your Source
Parkhurst’s FarmSource Partners program is central to our larger Know Your Source (KYS) initiative. KYS means more than just knowing where our food comes from—it’s about forging deep partnerships with our suppliers, supporting local economies, and fostering transparency at every step. When guests dine with Parkhurst, they can trust that their meal supports real people and sustainable practices.
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