WESTBROOK, Maine–With hunger rates climbing and food pantries across Maine facing “critical shortages,” Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is reporting it has provided a $236,033 donation to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.
The emergency donation was presented to the Food Bank during the Maine Credit Union League’s Annual Meeting, with the league saying the funds are coming as food insecurity is surging across the state.
“Food pantries are facing increased demand while also grappling with the loss of hundreds of thousands of pounds of USDA-donated food,” the MCUL said. “For many local hunger relief programs, shelves are going empty faster than they can be restocked.”
‘Around the Clock’
“Maine’s network of local pantries, meal sites, and other organizations are working around the clock to meet rising demand, but the recent loss of federal food aid has made an already difficult situation even harder,” Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank, said in a statement.
According to the league, Good Shepherd Food Bank, the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, reports it has lost access to 250,000 pounds of food per month compared to last year due to reductions in federal support. For many Mainers, that translates to fewer meals and longer lines at local food pantries.
‘Deep Care & Commitment’
“This donation reflects the deep care and commitment of Maine’s credit union community,” Maine CU League Elise Baldacci said in a statement. “With 79% of the state’s credit unions contributing to this fundraiser—alongside generous support from valued partners—we were able to quickly mobilize resources to help our partner during an unprecedented time of need.”
Now in its 35th year, the league reported the Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $14.5 million since its inception in 1990. The emergency donation marks one of the largest single disbursements in the Campaign’s history, reaffirming the credit union movement’s commitment to ending hunger in Maine, the league stated.
