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2026 Ending Hunger $100,000 Challenge
As temperatures drop and winter approaches, Maine’s credit unions are once again coming together for the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge. Now in its seventh year, the Challenge calls on credit unions, employees, members, and communities to collectively raise $100,000 throughout October for Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Built one member, one branch, and one contribution at a time, every donation, fundraiser, and community effort adds up to make a meaningful difference for Maine people experiencing hunger.
Building on a Record-Breaking Year
In 2025, Maine’s credit unions and their communities answered the call in an extraordinary way. Together, we raised a record-breaking $238,217 during the month of October—more than doubling our $100,000 goal.
That incredible generosity demonstrated what is possible when Maine’s credit unions unite around a shared purpose. As we return for another Challenge this October, we hope to build on that momentum and once again make a meaningful difference for our neighbors experiencing hunger.
October Celebrates Collaboration & Cooperation
The $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge is more than a fundraising goal. It is an opportunity for credit unions to engage employees, members, and their communities while showcasing the cooperative spirit and People Helping People philosophy at the heart of the credit union movement.
October also brings two opportunities to celebrate that spirit together:
- CU Kind Day | October 12: A day dedicated to acts of kindness, generosity, and community impact.
- International Credit Union Day | October 15: A celebration of the credit union movement and the difference credit unions make for their members and communities.
Together, these moments provide additional opportunities to raise awareness about food insecurity and demonstrate how Maine’s credit unions are working collaboratively to help address hunger across our state.
Every Contribution Makes a Difference
Whether your credit union organizes a fundraiser, engages members at the branch, hosts a special event, collects donations, or shares the Campaign’s message in your community, there are countless ways to participate.
Behind every dollar raised is an opportunity to help a Maine neighbor access the food they need. By working together throughout October, we can turn individual acts of generosity into a statewide impact.
Collateral for Credit Unions
The League has created a variety of ready-to-use collateral materials to help your credit union promote the 2026 $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge and encourage participation throughout October.
Fundraiser Materials
These materials may be helpful in organizing various in-branch fundraisers through the month of October in honor of the Challenge. Please feel free to download these to use and spread the Campaign's message.
- Coloring Page for Kids: teach children the value of charitable giving! For a small donation, they can receive a coloring sheet to complete and proudly display in your credit union's lobby.
- Ending Hunger Soup Bowl Printable Supporter Forms: similarly, utilize these soup bowls to showcase generous donors throughout the duration of the Challenge.
Lobby Poster
The League has created a poster for credit unions to display in their lobbies highlighting the efforts of the Challenge.
Sample Social Media Copy & Graphics
Eight social media posts have been drafted and are ready for your credit union to use! Sample copy is below, as well as correlating graphics for Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Instagram stories. Please feel free to download and use to promote the Challenge throughout October.
Please note: the donation link used below is the Campaign's general donation link. Every credit union has their own unique URL for collecting donations online. If your credit union needs the link to your specific page, please contact Lauren Simonds to request the URL and begin directing donations through your form.
Post #1:
🍂 The $100,000 Challenge starts NOW! 🍂
This October, Maine's credit unions are coming together with one bold goal: raise $100,000 in just one month to provide 200,000 healthy meals for hungry Mainers. ❤️
Every dollar matters. In fact, just $1 provides TWO healthy meals! Together, we can make sure more of our neighbors have food on the table this fall.
Let's show the power of People Helping People. 💙💚 Fill a plate for your neighbors today at campaignforendinghunger.org/donate.
#100KChallenge #PeopleHelpingPeople #EndingHunger #MaineCreditUnions #FeedMaine
Post #2:
🥫 The need is closer than you think.
📊 1 in 5 Maine children experience food insecurity.
📊 1 in 7 Maine adults struggle to access enough food.
📊 Maine ranks #1 in New England for food insecurity.
This October, we're challenging ourselves to raise $100,000 to provide 200,000 healthy meals for families across our state, and you can help make a big difference.
Together, we can change these numbers—one donation, one fundraiser, and one act of kindness at a time. 💙💚❤️ Show your support today at campaignforendinghunger.org/donate.
#100KChallenge #PeopleHelpingPeople #EndingHunger #FeedMaine
Post #3:
❤️ Hunger doesn't take a season off.
As colder weather approaches, more Maine families are making impossible choices between paying bills, buying medication, and putting food on the table.
That's why Maine's credit unions are joining forces this October to raise $100,000 and provide 200,000 healthy meals for neighbors in need.
Together, let's prove once again that our communities are stronger when we care for one another. 💙💚 Make a difference today at campaignforendinghunger.org/donate.
#PeopleHelpingPeople #100KChallenge #EndingHunger #MaineCreditUnions
Post #4:
💙 One dollar can make a difference.
It may not seem like much, but just $1 provides TWO healthy meals for a Mainer facing hunger. 🍎🥣
Imagine the impact we can make together by raising $100,000 this October—that's 200,000 meals for children, families, seniors, and neighbors across our state. ❤️
Every gift counts. Every meal matters.
Join the fight today at campaignforendinghunger.org/donate.
#100KChallenge #PeopleHelpingPeople #EndingHunger #MaineCreditUnions #FeedMaine
Post #5:
🍁 As winter approaches, food insecurity becomes an even greater challenge for many Maine families.
📊 14.5% of Maine households struggle with food insecurity.
👧 1 in 5 Maine children don't always know where their next meal will come from.
👵 More than 31,000 Maine seniors are at risk of hunger.
Together, we can help change that.
Join Maine's credit unions this October as we work to raise $100,000 and provide 200,000 healthy meals for our neighbors in need: campaignforendinghunger.org/donate. 💙💚❤️
#100KChallenge #PeopleHelpingPeople #EndingHunger #FeedMaine
Post #6:
🤝 People Helping People isn't just a philosophy—it's who we are.
Every October, Maine's credit unions unite behind one mission: helping ensure our neighbors don't have to face hunger alone.
Whether it's making a donation, supporting a fundraiser, or spreading the word, every act of kindness helps us move closer to our goal of $100,000—providing 200,000 meals for Mainers in need.
Together, we can make hope stronger than hunger: campaignforendinghunger.org/donate. 💙💚❤️
#PeopleHelpingPeople #100KChallenge #EndingHunger #MaineCreditUnions
Post #7:
🥣 Behind every statistic is a story.
A child trying to focus in school on an empty stomach. 📚
A senior choosing between groceries and medication. 💊
A family working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. ❤️
This October, you can help write a different ending.
Join Maine's credit unions in the $100,000 Challenge to provide 200,000 healthy meals for neighbors across our state. Together, every donation brings hope to those who need it most: campaignforendinghunger.org/donate. 💙💚
#100KChallenge #PeopleHelpingPeople #EndingHunger #MaineCreditUnions #FeedMaine
Post #8:
🌟 Together, we can do something extraordinary.
Maine ranks 14th in the nation for food insecurity and 1st in New England. But together, we can change lives—one meal, one donation, and one act of kindness at a time. ❤️
Our goal is simple but powerful: raise $100,000 in October to provide 200,000 healthy meals for hungry Mainers.
Join Maine's credit unions in showing what's possible when communities come together to help one another. 💙💚 Because no one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from: campaignforendinghunger.org/donate.
#100KChallenge #PeopleHelpingPeople #EndingHunger #FeedMaine #MaineCreditUnions
Website Banner Graphics
If you need a banner image for a webpage, feel free to utilize any of these provided graphics:
Visit Our Campaign Website
Learn more about Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger and support the Challenge at www.campaignforendinghunger.org.
Questions
If you have questions about the Challenge, please email Lauren Simonds at lsimonds@mainecul.org.
When Maine’s credit unions show up together, we can accomplish something no single organization could do alone. Join us this October and help turn $100,000 into meaningful support for Maine people experiencing hunger.
