Maine Community Foundation aids in providing one month of food to Good Shepherd Food Bank

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  Food and Wine on Sun, Nov 02nd, 2025 by WGME

Maine Community Foundation Helps Good Shepherd Food Bank Provide a Month of Food to Those in Need

In a heart‑warming display of community solidarity, the Maine Community Foundation has stepped up to provide a critical month‑long supply of groceries to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, a regional lifeline that serves thousands of families across the state. The donation, announced last week, will help the food bank purchase essential items for residents in the hardest‑hit areas, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry for an extended period.

A Long‑Standing Partnership

Good Shepherd Food Bank has been a pillar of support in Maine for decades, collecting donations from local farmers, grocery chains, and individuals to redistribute food to shelters, churches, and other food‑distribution programs. The bank’s mission is to “prevent hunger and promote food security for all residents in Maine.” Over the past year, the organization has faced heightened demand due to economic uncertainty, rising food prices, and the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

“We’ve seen a surge in the number of people calling our offices for assistance,” said Thomas O’Leary, Executive Director of Good Shepherd. “Many of them are families who have lost jobs or have children who depend on school meals. A month’s worth of groceries is a lifesaver.” The Foundation’s partnership comes at a crucial time, as the food bank has struggled to keep pace with the increased need.

The Maine Community Foundation’s Commitment

The Maine Community Foundation, a nonprofit that pools charitable resources to address local needs, has long championed initiatives to support food security in the state. This latest donation, worth $25,000, will be earmarked exclusively for purchasing fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples for Good Shepherd’s distribution network. The Foundation’s President, Susan Whitman, highlighted the importance of the contribution: “When a community comes together, the impact is immeasurable. We’re proud to partner with Good Shepherd to provide a month of food for families who would otherwise face uncertainty.”

The Foundation’s annual report noted that it has disbursed more than $5 million in the last fiscal year to various Maine charities, with a focus on food banks, community health, and disaster relief. The donation to Good Shepherd is part of a broader strategy to ensure the continuity of essential services amid a challenging economic climate.

How the Food Bank Will Use the Funds

Good Shepherd plans to allocate the $25,000 toward purchasing high‑value, nutrient‑dense foods, with an emphasis on locally sourced items. According to O’Leary, the food bank will prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and protein sources such as eggs, canned beans, and frozen fish. “We’re not just feeding people; we’re trying to feed them well,” he added. The Foundation’s funds will also support the logistics of transporting food to distribution points across Maine’s rural regions.

The donation will directly benefit approximately 2,000 individuals or families over the course of one month. By ensuring a steady stream of groceries, Good Shepherd can maintain its commitment to 24‑hour food assistance during emergencies and support its partner agencies—such as shelters, community centers, and faith‑based organizations—that rely on a predictable supply of food.

Additional Support and Community Impact

The food bank’s outreach program, which serves more than 100 partner agencies across the state, will benefit from the Foundation’s funding. In addition to groceries, Good Shepherd will use part of the funds to provide nutrition education workshops in partnership with local schools and community health centers. The goal is to empower families with the knowledge to make healthier food choices on a limited budget.

The donation also encourages other local businesses to contribute. “We hope that this partnership inspires other community leaders and donors to step forward,” said Whitman. “The more support we get, the stronger our food system becomes.”

Looking Ahead

Good Shepherd Food Bank’s leadership is optimistic about the future. O’Leary noted that the Foundation’s support will help the bank plan for a sustained food distribution strategy over the next fiscal year. “With the help of donors like the Maine Community Foundation, we can start to build reserves and develop a more robust response system,” he said.

The Maine Community Foundation plans to continue its support for food banks, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges. The Foundation’s board will meet next month to discuss additional grant opportunities and explore ways to expand the impact of its charitable giving.

How You Can Get Involved

The Good Shepherd Food Bank welcomes volunteers and additional donations. Those who wish to support the effort can visit the food bank’s website, which lists a range of volunteer opportunities—from packing food parcels to helping with distribution events. The Foundation’s donation page also offers the option to make a one‑time or recurring contribution to further bolster food security in Maine.

By combining the resources of the Maine Community Foundation with the on‑the‑ground expertise of Good Shepherd Food Bank, the community is taking a decisive step toward eradicating hunger. The donation’s ripple effect will touch countless families, ensuring that they receive the nourishment they need to thrive—even in uncertain times.