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Maine Credit Unions yesterday officially launched a 30-day Ending Hunger $100,000 Challenge to support Good Shepherd Food Bank’s COVID-19 response and community food pantries and meal sites across the state. Synergent kicked off the challenge with a $100,000 contribution, all of which will go to Good Shepherd Food Bank. The Challenge goal is to raise at least another $100,000 before July 4, with donations being divided between Good Shepherd Food Bank and hunger organizations statewide.
“Maine is ranked 12th in the nation for food insecurity, but I’m afraid these numbers don’t reflect the current need,” said Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent. “COVID-19 has dramatically changed our economy. Families who were food secure—even a few months ago—are now struggling to put food on the table. This challenge was created to help Good Shepherd Food Bank meet the growing demand for food assistance in communities across our state.”
As part of the challenge, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to make a tax deductible online donation to Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. 75% of the funds raised online during the Challenge by Maine credit unions will go back to communities in the form of financial support to local food pantries and meal sites. 25% of the funds raised will benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank
“We are regularly surveying food pantries, meal sites, schools, and other hunger-relief partners to understand the challenges they are facing and any gaps in service,” said Kristen Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “When asked if they are seeing an increased need, 47% responded they are seeing demand rise at every distribution. With retail donations declining, the Food Bank must purchase more items and costs are steadily rising. Fundraisers like these are vital to our operations.”
How You Can Help
This is a Challenge. Credit unions should challenge their staff and their members to contribute to the Campaign online, and challenge them to challenge their family and friends. Credit unions should consider promoting the Challenge on social media, and encourage staff to post a link to the Campaign for Ending Hunger site on their own social media pages. Pass the challenge on!
“Maine credit unions have been working collaboratively to end hunger in Maine since 1990,” said Cheryl Lancaster, Executive Vice President of Member Services at the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent. “But we’ll need the public’s help to make this credit union fundraising drive successful. We are encouraging people to open their hearts and wallets to this important effort and challenge others to do the same.”
Go to the Maine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger website, campaignforendinghunger.org, to make a donation.