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The Atlantic FCU Foundation has stepped up as a beacon of hope for the Sanford Backpack Program with a generous $10,000 grant following recent news that the program was scaling back due to financial strains. This substantial contribution is part of a broader initiative by Atlantic FCU, which raised $147,799 for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, reinforcing its commitment to community support and financial empowerment.
The Sanford Backpack Program serves as a crucial resource providing food for students when school meals aren’t available. After the pandemic halted traditional fundraising efforts and other financial avenues ceased, the organization’s resources dwindled to a critical level.
“We partner with Good Shepherd, and they are seeing a lack of food assistance across the board, and it’s just as important now as it ever was, maybe more important,” shared Lori Williams of the Sanford Backpack Program. “The need has greatly increased.”
Upon learning of the pressing need through a WGME news story, the Atlantic Foundation acted swiftly to provide a substantial aid package. Jamie Mawhinney, Atlantic VP of Loan Servicing and leader of the Atlantic Ending Hunger Crew shared, “We learned about this need on February 19, and I brought it to the Ending Hunger Crew the next morning on the 20th. The approval was immediately unanimous.”
The strategic dispersion of $147,799 means that 19 other food banks within Cumberland, Sagadahoc, York, Androscoggin Counties, and the Good Shepherd Food Bank also will receive support.
The Atlantic FCU Foundation is the charitable arm of Atlantic FCU.