HiP Paris founder Erica Berman moved from Paris to Maine 10 years ago and founded Veggies to Table, a non-profit helping to end hunger in her community. Now, it’s your chance to help feed those in need, AND win a week in a Paris apartment, a weekend in Montreal—and so many more French inspired prizes. Read about Erica’s journey, enter to win, and help make sure no one wakes up or goes to bed hungry in Erica’s community!

A breakfast bar with wooden stools sits to the left of a silver oven in inside a blue and white kitchen
Top: Eiffel Tower from the Seine – Palmyre Roigt
Above: Erica’s Montmartre Hideaway Kitchen – This could be yours for a week!

People are usually intrigued and, I dare say, a little shocked when I mention that ten years ago I moved from Paris, France to Maine! After 20 years in Paris, my French hubby Alain and I decided we wanted a quieter life full of nature, purpose, and sustainable living. So, yes—we do live, quite happily in Maine!

Fast forward 10 years. I sold my vacation rental business Haven In, bought land in Maine, built a house, and started Veggies to Table – a non-profit farm, on our land three years ago. We grow organic produce to feed the 1 in 5 children and the 1 in 7 adults who go hungry daily in our community. We also donate flowers to create joy.

Left: Cafe de Flore is pictured with several tables and chairs sat outside. Right: The Sacré Couer is pictured from afar, with Parisian buildings illuminated by the sun pictured before it
Cafe de Flore – @gjinpervathi / Sacré-Cœur – @tw2nty.two

Do I miss Paris – the culture, the people, my friends, the food, and evening walks along the Seine river? Of course! Do I miss being able to hop on a plane or train and pop over to London, Amsterdam, Provence, or Italy for a weekend, or more? Of course! Do I wish I could have the best of both worlds? Oui, oui! That said, I adore my new life and still do spend time in Paris.

Erica is pictured with her husband Alain, and is holding a chicken
HiP Paris and Veggies to Table founder, Erica Berman, and her French hubby – Kelsey Kobik

For those of you who participated in our Sweepstakes last year and want a second chance, and for everyone else – this is for you! Veggies to Table needs to raise (much needed) funds so we can continue our work to end hunger in our community.

You can win a week-long stay in my Paris apartment, along with a host of other prizes. This unique fundraiser will help Veggies to Table grow and donate even more produce to those in need, while bringing YOU to Paris or, Paris to YOU!

Erica is pictured inside a mini-van on her farm, which is carrying different fruits and vegetables
Erica in Blanchette the mini-truck on the farm – Kelsey Kobik

Grand Prize

The winner of the Grand Prize will receive:

Runner-up Prizes

A large beige sofa and desk sit inside a Parisian salon that's filled with several bookshelves
Montmartre Hideaway Salon – This could be your Paris apartment for a week!

Enter to Win

The Sweepstakes will run from August 7 to September 17. Winners will be selected online on September 22. YOU can make a difference by helping us feed our neighbors living in the crisis of hunger. And, you might just win a week in a Paris apartment or one of many French-inspired prizes!

A young blonde girl from Maine eats a tomato provided by Veggies To Table
A young girl enjoys an organic cherry tomato from the Veggies to Table farm – Brian Goding

Related Links

Written by Erica Berman for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.

Left: Île de la Cité is filled with groups of people, and is lit up by the summer sun. Right: A traditional-looking Parisian cafe is pictured with a bustling terrace, full of people
Île de la Cité – @unealternanteaparis / A Parisian cafe – @inseinelyparis

WRITTEN BY

Erica Berman

Erica Berman grew up in Lexington, Mass. After graduating from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Journalism and an intensive summer at Middlebury College (Vermont), Erica went to Paris with hopes of submerging herself in French culture and perfecting her French — and she stayed 20 years. Erica is the founder of the HiP Paris Blog and Haven In her former company. She now splits her time between Paris (Montmartre) and Maine (Midcoast). She recently started a non-profit growing organic produce for the food insecure in Maine called Veggies to Table. In her all-too-rare free time, Erica likes to travel off the beaten track, explore Paris and Maine, read, take photos, cook, kayak, hike and enjoy long Sunday brunches with her friends.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *