Filling the Funding Gap: Emergency Relief Needed to Fight Hunger in Maine

April 9, 2025 |

Credit unions in Maine have long been a force for good—and right now, our help is urgently needed.

Good Shepherd Food Bank, our dedicated partner in fighting hunger, is facing a critical shortfall in federal support. Two major programs that supply food to our state’s most vulnerable residents are at risk:

  • The USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program—which would have brought $1.25 million to Maine over three years—has been canceled. This means 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of fresh, local produce will no longer reach families in need.
  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is also under threat of federal cuts. If reduced, Good Shepherd Food Bank expects to lose 250,000 pounds of food every month—a staggering gap as food insecurity continues to climb in our state.

The ripple effect is already being felt, from the Food Bank to the front-line food pantries serving Maine’s communities. With demand surging and supplies dwindling, this is a moment for us to come together in the credit union spirit of People Helping People.

How Credit Unions Can Help

To support this urgent need, the League and Synergent are providing emergency funding to Good Shepherd Food Bank through the Campaign for Ending Hunger. Originally, we pledged to match up to $35,000 in credit union contributions in honor of the Campaign’s 35th anniversary this year—but thanks to the incredible enthusiasm from within our movement, we’ve increased our match to $100,000!

We’re asking all credit unions to consider joining this effort. If your credit union would like to contribute:

  • You may use any available Ending Hunger dollars in your account to support this initiative.
  • If you’ve already distributed your Ending Hunger funds but still want to help, contributions can be made directly to the Campaign and will be redirected to the Food Bank.

To participate, please contact Jen Burke at jburke@mainecul.org by April 30. Our goal is to present a united check to Good Shepherd Food Bank by mid-May.

Credit union chapters also can get involved in this fundraising effort. The League has already received pledges from three chapters—York County, KV, and Jeannette G. Morin—as well as valued partners like Tricorp FCU and CU Insurance Solutions.

Working to Ensure No Mainer Goes Hungry

In times of crisis, credit unions don’t sit on the sidelines—we step up. Together, we can ensure Good Shepherd Food Bank continues its critical mission of feeding Maine families. Let’s make a difference, one dollar—and one meal—at a time.