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The Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger made a significant contribution this past week, when it ‘Shared the Bread’ with 33 food pantries in Maine. The contribution will provide more than 80,000 summertime meals to hungry Mainers.
“We have said over and over again that ending hunger is a year-round effort, not only in fundraising but in making contributions and raising awareness. We created the ‘Share the Bread’ event more than a decade ago to raise awareness about the issue of hunger during the summertime, and to make a contribution that impacts every Maine county. It was great that we were able to make another significant difference with this year’s contributions,” stated Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement.
On Monday, July 23, the Campaign held two events – one in Westbrook at the CU Service Center, and the other at Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Hampden Distribution Center. In Westbrook, food pantries from Maine’s eight, southern-most counties received contributions, while food pantries from the state’s eight, northern-most counties were rewarded with contributions in Hampden. Food pantries receiving contributions were identified by Good Shepherd Food Bank, based on need, location and past recipients.
Collectively, two food pantries from each Maine county, along with the Good Shepherd Food Bank, received contributions totaling nearly $21,000. Based on Good Shepherd’s formula of every dollar purchasing 4 meals, the contribution translates into nearly 84,000 meals being provided as a result of the contribution.
Since 1990, the Campaign has raised more than $8 million, including a record-setting $740,000 raised in 2017.