Rooted in Local: A Visit to Thomas Vegetable Farm
Exploring sustainable squash planting, soil-smart farming, and the people behind our most local produce partner.
Corinth, Maine: May 29, 2025
At Dennis Food Service, we believe in more than just delivering quality ingredients; we believe in knowing where our food comes from and the people who grow it. That’s why our team, including Purchasing Specialist Rachel Ravin and Corporate Chef Trevor Lizotte, recently visited Thomas Vegetable Farm in Corinth, Maine, to witness firsthand the planting of this season’s squash crop.
Thomas Vegetable Farm is a third-generation family farm that exemplifies the values of New England farming: sustainability, innovation, and community. During our visit, we toured the fields with Paul Thomas and his father Frank, learning about their unique strip-till planting method. Unlike conventional tilling, strip-till disturbs only the soil where seeds are planted, preserving soil structure, reducing erosion, and minimizing carbon release. It’s a method that not only supports healthier crops but also a healthier planet.
We also learned about their use of cover crops, which help retain nutrients, improve water retention, and act as a natural weed barrier. These practices reduce the need for chemical inputs and result in cleaner, more vibrant produce—like the spaghetti and butternut squash that will soon be harvested from the very fields we walked.
Paul shared stories of resilience and ingenuity, from rebuilding equipment to adapting to changing weather and market demands. His passion for farming and commitment to quality were evident in every row of soil and every word he spoke. As he put it, “You’ve got to keep learning every year. If you think you know it all, you might as well quit.”
Thomas Farms supplies Dennis Food Service with a variety of vegetables, including squash and rutabagas. In fact, they’re the largest grower of rutabagas east of the Mississippi and the top supplier of spaghetti squash in Maine. Their produce doesn’t just support local—it defines it. Located just 30 minutes from our warehouse, Thomas Farms is our most local farm partner.
Being part of the full ecosystem of food service in New England means more than just logistics—it means relationships. It means standing in the fields with the people who grow our food, understanding their challenges, and celebrating their successes. We’re proud to support farms like Thomas Farms and to bring their story—and their harvest—to your table.
Bonus 🎥 Video from the trip: See it on Facebook
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from our partners!
Chef Trevor
