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Jen Burke, League Public Affairs & Communications Manager
It’s not often that you hear an employee say that they look forward to the day when their role is no longer needed, but that is the exact sentiment I expressed earlier this week when promoting the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge. While working on behalf of Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is a career highlight for me, I can’t wait for the day when our collaborative efforts to feed our neighbors in need is no longer necessary. If that means I’ll be out of a job, then it’s a small price I’m willing to pay for the greater good.
Hunger is a solvable problem, yet many Mainers struggle to put healthy meals on their tables. While there is more than enough food to feed people living in our state—even in our nation—access remains a barrier. What I’ve learned from working on the Campaign is that hunger doesn’t discriminate. It impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, and affects families and individuals living in urban and rural communities alike. Hunger exists in every Maine city and town and because credit unions are local, we see it every day.
That’s why I’m so proud to work in an industry that is both united in addressing this critical issue and willing to collaborate with other public and private partners to identify meaningful solutions. Continuing our efforts to raise money and awareness about hunger in Maine through initiatives like the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge, Holiday Meals for Mainers, and other credit union appeals ensures we are doing our part to assist those who are food insecure. It’s People Helping People at its core.
If you haven’t made a donation to the Campaign for Ending Hunger this year, now is the perfect time to make a contribution. We’ve got less than a month to reach our ambitious monthlong fundraising goal of $100,000. If you donated earlier this year, consider contributing again. It doesn’t cost much to make a difference. For $5—the price you might pay for a latte—you can help provide up to 15 meals for a hungry Mainer. Putting it in that context might make skipping your morning cup of joe an easier decision.
If you can’t give right now, consider challenging someone else who can, or organize a fundraiser for the Campaign at your credit union. Sharing our social media posts also is helpful. And remember, if circumstances change, you can donate to the Campaign anytime throughout the year.
Until we end hunger in Maine, I’ll continue talking about all the amazing things credit unions are doing to address this problem. Just know, it will be an honor to someday share with others how we helped eliminate hunger together through this important Campaign.