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"Accessing food in rural areas remains a great challenge, and there are lot of conversations happening about what can be done," was one of the overarching themes that Brenda Davis reported hearing during her travels as part of the 16th Annual Maine CUs' Ending Hunger Walking and Awareness Tour that finished at the end of November. The partnership between Maine's credit unions and Davis, one of Maine's leading end hunger advocates, began in 2002, and has not only continued every 
year since but has grown each year. The 2017 Tour, which began at the end of October at Maine State CU (pictured at left) and finished on November 28 at Changing Seasons FCU, was the largest ever with stops at 97 branches in 91 communities.
"What has changed most significantly between the first walk and now is that people are much more aware of the issue, and want to help. At a stop in Farmington, a high school gym was packed with students listening to me talk about this issue, and asking questions about how to help. In Washington County, I spoke to clients at food pantries who told me that this is making a difference. In York County, I stopped at a school that benefited because of the backpack program and knew the support that Maine credit unions were providing. It was great to hear and see the level of involvement that I haven't seen to this extent in the past," added Davis.
In addition to making stops in 91 communities, the Maine CUs' Campaign for Ending Hunger continued its tradition of making a contribution to a food pantry in each community. Collectively, the contributions helped pantries purchase more than 40,000 meals. "The connection between Brenda's passion and the commitment and support of credit unions are key reasons why the Tour has not only lasted this long but keeps getting bigger. Credit unions are such an important part of communities across Maine, and hunger is an issue in communities across Maine so connecting the two has helped raise awareness of this issue," stated Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement for the Maine CU League.
("I feel great," said Davis, pictured third from right, as she finished the 16th Annual Ending Hunger Walking Tour surrounded by staff at Changing Seasons FCU in Hampden, the location of this year's Walk conclusion ceremony.)
"While this year's Walk left me the most hopeful that we will achieve our goal to end hunger in Maine, I also understand it's a journey is far from over. However, we are making strides in a positive direction," noted Davis.