The largest hunger relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food-Bank provides for those at risk of hunger by soliciting food donations and purchasing food at wholesale prices, then distributing this food to more than 600 partner agencies throughout every county in Maine. Partner agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after school programs, and senior centers.
The majority of people served through Good Shepherd Food-Bank's hunger relief network are the working poor, senior citizens, and children. In fact, 40 percent of people served by Good Shepherd Food-Bank's network are children. Fifty-six percent of people served through the network report having to choose between paying for food or paying for heat and other utilities and 40 percent have had to choose between paying for food or paying for medical expenses. For many people, the food they receive through Good Shepherd Food-Bank's hunger relief network is an essential support as they attempt to stretch their budget each month.
HUNGER IN MAINE
- Nearly 49 million Americans (14.5% of the population) struggle with hunger
- In Maine, 15.4 percent of households, or approximately 200,000 people, are at risk of hunger
- 24.6 percent of Maine children, or 1 in every 4 kids, are facing hunger
- The number of food insecure in our state has been increasing steadily in recent years; there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of Mainers facing hunger in the past 6 years
- 43 percent of Maine's food insecure residents make too much to qualify for food stamps and must rely on the charity food assistance network
ABOUT THE FOOD-BANK
- In 2011, the Food-Bank distributed 13 million pounds of food to more than 600 partner agencies in every county in the state
- The Food-Bank distributes enough food to provide 25,000 meals a day, every day of the year
- The Food-Bank operates 3 distribution centers in Auburn, Brewer, and Portland, and has a fleet of 10 trucks on the road each day to distribute crucial food assistance across the state
YOUR GIFT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- For every $1 donation, the Food-Bank is able to distribute $8 worth of food to its partner agencies
- A gift of $1 equals 3 meals for a Mainer in need
- A gift of $10 will feed a hungry child for 10 days
- A gift of $100 provides meals for a family of 3 for over a month
There are many ways you can help fight hunger in Maine. Visit www.feedingmaine.org to learn more about Good Shepherd Food-Bank, the work they do, and how you can support this critical cause.