WESTBROOK, Maine — Maine credit unions are seeking to raise $100,000 during October to help fund 200,000 healthy meals statewide through their seventh annual Ending Hunger Challenge, according to the Maine Credit Union League.
The fundraiser, part of Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, is open to individuals and businesses. Donors do not need to be credit union members to participate.
“Maine credit unions always step up when our neighbors need help,” Elise Baldacci, president of the Maine Credit Union League, said in a statement. “A few months ago, we contributed $100,000 to Good Shepherd Food Bank through our 48 to Feed the State initiative, and now we’re asking the public to join us in supporting our October fundraiser.”
Baldacci said demand for food assistance continues to grow and every donation received during October will help provide food for people in need.
Hunger Across Maine
According to the league, one in five Maine children experiences food insecurity, 14.5% of households struggle to consistently put food on the table and more than 31,000 seniors are at risk of hunger.
Maine has the highest rate of childhood food insecurity in New England, the league said. Washington County’s food insecurity rate of 18.8% is the highest in the region.
The league said those challenges are particularly significant in a rural state, where access to food assistance can be more difficult.
Supporting Statewide And Local Efforts
Money raised during October will support hunger relief across Maine. Of donations made online, 25% will directly benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank. The remaining funds will support local food pantries, meal programs, schools and other organizations addressing hunger, according to the league.
Donations can be made through the Campaign for Ending Hunger website.
“I’m incredibly proud of the way Maine’s credit unions carry out our People Helping People philosophy through this Campaign,” Baldacci said. “They see the impact of hunger in their communities every day, and that makes this work personal. It’s why credit unions across Maine continue to give so generously to this cause, and why we hope others will feel compelled to join us.”
The Maine initiative is the most effective and largest among credit unions in the country in fighting hunger. It has contributed over $16.3 million since 1990 to end hunger in the state – $1,496,116.71 in 2025 alone.
