WESTBROOK, Maine — Maine’s credit unions, the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent are reporting they have raised $100,000 for Good Shepherd Food Bank through the “48 to Feed the State” initiative, a statewide campaign aimed at addressing growing food insecurity across the state.
The initiative called on each of Maine’s 48 credit unions to contribute $1,000 to the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Credit unions, including two headquartered outside Maine, contributed a combined $48,800. The Maine Credit Union League and Synergent, the league’s credit union service organization, matched those donations and rounded the total to $100,000. League associate members based outside Maine also participated.
The campaign was launched as food pantries across Maine face record demand, with the funding intended to support Good Shepherd Food Bank and its network of community partners in meeting the increasing need for food assistance.
‘Powerful Example’
“When communities face challenges, credit unions come together to help,” Maine Credit Union League President Elise Baldacci said in a statement. “This initiative is a powerful example of what makes the credit union movement so special. Each individual contribution mattered, but together we created an impact that none of us could have achieved alone.”
The donation continues a decades-long partnership between the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger and Good Shepherd Food Bank. Since the campaign began in 1990, it has raised more than $16 million to combat hunger across Maine, supporting the food bank and hundreds of local organizations working to provide meals to residents.
Synergent President Tyler Hudson said the organization’s decision to match the donations reflected the cooperative principles shared by Maine’s credit unions.
“At Synergent, we believe our success is measured not only by how we serve credit unions, but also by how we strengthen the communities they serve,” Hudson said. “Matching these contributions was an easy decision because collaboration is at the heart of the cooperative model. We’re honored to stand alongside Maine’s credit unions in helping our friends at Good Shepherd Food Bank.”
Among ‘Most Significant Donors’
Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank, said the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger ranks among the organization’s most significant donors.
“They have contributed over $1.3 million to the Food Bank alone and millions of dollars to help end hunger in our state since their Campaign began in 1990,” Paquette said. “We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and partnership.”
League officials said the initiative reflects the cooperative philosophy that has long guided Maine’s credit union system, with institutions working together to address statewide needs while continuing to serve their individual communities.
“Time and again, Maine’s credit unions demonstrate that when there is a need, they are ready to respond,” Baldacci said. “Helping people is at the heart of what credit unions do. Whether it’s fighting hunger, improving financial well-being, or supporting local communities, credit unions are a trusted resource that people can count on.”
The Numbers
According to the organizations, the data points include:
- $100,000 raised for Good Shepherd Food Bank through the “48 to Feed the State” initiative.
- 48 Maine credit unions were invited to contribute $1,000 each.
- $48,800 was contributed by participating credit unions before matching funds.
- More than $16 million has been raised by the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger since 1990.
- More than $1.3 million has been donated directly to Good Shepherd Food Bank by the campaign since its inception.
The Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible, and funds raised remain in Maine to support local food banks, food pantries, schools, colleges and meal sites. Donations are open to both credit union members and non-members.
The Maine Credit Union League, founded in 1938, is the nonprofit trade association representing the state’s credit unions and provides advocacy, education and other resources designed to help credit unions serve their members.
