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The Maine Credit Union League and Synergent, alongside credit unions from across Maine, presented Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank, with a check for $236,033 to support their work to feed Mainers in need.
(WESTBROOK, ME) – As hunger rates climb and food pantries across Maine face critical shortages, Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has stepped in with a $236,033 donation to Good Shepherd Food Bank—providing vital support amid a sharp rise in need and recent cuts to federal food aid.
The emergency donation, presented to the Food Bank on May 15 during the Maine Credit Union League’s Annual Meeting, comes 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. For many local hunger relief programs, shelves are going empty faster than they can be restocked.
“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,” shared Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank.
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.
“This donation reflects the deep care and commitment of Maine’s credit union community,” shared Elise Baldacci, President of the Maine Credit Union League. “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 Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $14.5 million since its inception in 1990. This 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.
“We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for the unwavering support Maine’s credit unions provide to help achieve food security for everyone in Maine,” added Paquette.
For more information about Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, visit www.campaignforendinghunger.org. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to the Campaign are tax-deductible. You do not need to be a member of a local credit union to donate to the Campaign.
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About Good Shepherd Food Bank
Good Shepherd Food Bank is Maine’s largest hunger-relief organization, working with 600 agency partners to source and distribute nutritious, culturally relevant food across the state. Last year, the Food Bank distributed a record 39 million meals and strategically invested almost $1 million in grants to Maine’s hunger-relief network. Good Shepherd Food Bank is committed to both meeting immediate needs and addressing the root causes of hunger to achieve food security for everyone in Maine.
About the Maine Credit Union League
The Maine Credit Union League is a nonprofit, professional trade association that exists to serve Maine’s credit unions. Founded in 1938, the League’s mission is to help credit unions succeed and improve the financial lives of their members. As the trade association for Maine’s credit unions, the League provides advocacy, education, and other resources designed to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.