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(From CUInsight) – Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger serves as a catalyst for carrying out the shared credit union People Helping People philosophy by nourishing people’s financial lives and their physical well-being. Since its inception, Maine Credit Union’s Campaign for Ending Hunger has united credit unions across Maine to come together voluntarily, demonstrating remarkable enthusiasm and dedication to tackling hunger within the community.
Maine credit unions see hunger in the communities they serve every day. Thirteen percent of the state’s population is food insecure, including one in five children. Given the challenges that many individuals and families face to put healthy meals on their tables, the impact of the Campaign is deeply meaningful. Their efforts to raise funds, collect food, volunteer, and improve the fiscal security of people statewide through their financial education programs are making a positive difference in combatting one of the state’s most pressing problems, while also elevating credit unions as thought leaders in this space.
Credit union employees have been the driving force behind this initiative, contributing countless hours to organize fundraisers and events. From bake sales and yard sales to 5k runs and raffles, these efforts reflect the credit unions’ unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare of their communities. Supported by every credit union in the state and the Maine Credit Union League, this initiative showcases the power of collaboration in addressing social issues.
The Campaign’s impact is significant, raising over $1 million for Good Shepherd Food Bank since 1998, making it the 12th largest donor to the organization. This partnership allows credit unions to provide vital resources to those struggling with food insecurity, reinforcing their mission of economic empowerment and mutual self-help. A separate component of the Campaign’s work with MaineHealth is through The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. In September 2023, it presented a $14,000 donation to support food-insecure patients and their families, followed by an additional $20,000 during its annual Ending Hunger Luncheon in February 2024.
Beyond raising dollars, the Campaign has focused efforts on identifying the root causes of hunger. This is where credit unions are uniquely positioned to address both given their proximity and commitment to their communities. As a collective, Maine credit unions have long-provided financial education to Mainers of all ages and backgrounds through Financial Fitness Fairs, in-house programs, and in adult education classes.
“Our partners at the League have been alongside us offering in-person financial education. Lessons include budgeting, comparison shopping, and communicating with creditors. What began as a pilot at one hospital pantry is now expanding” said Ethan Minton, Philanthropy Advisor at Good Shepherd Food Bank.
The Campaign is committed to meeting people where they are at, whether that’s helping them purchase a home, securing an auto loan, or managing a budget to buy groceries. It is part of what Maine credit unions do every day to enhance their members’ financial well-being journey.
The Campaign has also formed a partnership with Full Plates Full Potential, an organization committed to fighting childhood hunger in the state. For the past four years, the Campaign has actively supported this initiative, helping fund summer meal grant requests for local school departments and community organizations.
The Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the credit union ethos. This award not only celebrates its achievements but also serves as an inspiration for continued efforts to combat hunger in Maine.
We’re proud to present Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger with the Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Program.