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Maine’s credit unions frequently collaborate for the betterment of the communities they serve, and this October has been no exception. Across the state, credit unions have raised both funds and awareness for our hungry neighbors in need through the sixth annual $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge—supporting our shared Campaign for Ending Hunger mission.
While fundraising totals are yet to be tallied and announced, we are pleased to share the Challenge has received incredible support from credit unions, employees, members, and other contributors alike. From tournaments to fall festivals, every dollar raised this month not only puts us closer to reaching our $100,000 fundraising goal but also our $1.35 million goal for 2025.
It’s not too late to show your support! Any and all funds committed or donated by the end of today, October 31, will be counted towards the Challenge’s success. Donations can be made online, or you can email the League’s Jen Burke and Lauren Simonds to commit your contribution today.
If your credit union has facilitated a fundraiser in October, please share the details and success of your initiative with Burke and Simonds to ensure your credit union receives credit for your efforts. Your totals will be included in the Challenge’s overall total, earning recognition on the Campaign’s Challenge Contributors page while ensuring you will be able to distribute funds to organizations of your choosing.
With critical programs like SNAP facing funding cuts, Maine is seeing alarming rates of food insecurity—surpassing the pandemic-era need. Food banks and pantries were already struggling to maintain sufficient supply due to the demand for healthy and nutritious food—and with budget cuts, even more individuals will rely on these crucial community resources to help their families survive and thrive.
If you are able, please consider deploying your available Ending Hunger funds to the food pantries, meal programs, and hunger relief partners in your area as soon as possible. These funds will provide a vital resource to many Mainers in need. As a reminder, funds raised during the calendar year can be redistributed within the same year. You may turn in funds to the League at any time to have those dollars added to your account, allowing you to support your community as needs—like the challenges we are facing now—arise. Please also track your nonperishable food drive donations; we will “count” that toward your 2025 fundraising total.
Our fight against hunger must continue. While the Challenge will provide essential dollars to hunger relief organizations across Maine, the need will remain high. As we look to close out the 2025 fundraising year, we are hopeful that our collective fight will create a better tomorrow for all Mainers. Together, we can make a lasting difference.