Frequently Asked Questions About Hunger
Why are people hungry?
Basically, there's no good reason for people in Maine to go hungry. There's plenty of food. The problem has always been overcoming the economic and political obstacles that prevent food from reaching those who need it. Ending hunger means solving these more systemic problems while, at the same time, doing everything we can on a daily basis to feed hungry people.
Many people are hungry because they get sick or injured, a spouse or parent dies, or they lose their job or are unable to work. Unfortunately, these "bad breaks" happen all the time to people in all socio-economic conditions, forcing them to make painful choices like whether to buy food to eat or pay their rent or other living expenses.
Where are people hungry in our region?
People are hungry everywhere in our region. Not one community among all of Maine's cities and towns is spared. That's because hunger is as much a problem of working-class and middle-class people as it is a challenge faced by the poor.
Can hunger ever be solved?
Hunger in America can be eliminated. It will take both the public and private sector to join in a determined partnership to address the economic, political, and personal barriers that contribute to hunger. It will require leadership and a broad agreement that everyone has a role to play. In addition to individuals donating food, contributing money and volunteering to support relief organizations and service providers, we can also urge business and political leaders towards greater involvement in solving hunger issues.
How can I help?
There are many ways to help. You can donate money. You can donate food. You can volunteer.
For every dollar you give, The Good Shepherd Food-Bank can distribute $12.50 worth of donated food to hungry people in Maine. We welcome your donations via check, or online with Visa or MasterCard.
The Food Bank also relies on the generosity of over 200 food donors, including supermarkets, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and others. Individuals and organizations are also asked to donate food through Food Drives.
Through our 6,000 volunteers, The Good Shepherd Food-Bank helps provide food to more than 70,000 people per month, right here in our state. Volunteers help in many ways, including inspecting, sort and packing food at our warehouse. Learn more about Volunteering.
How does Good Shepherd Food-Bank confront hunger and food insecurity in our community?
This year, GSFB will distribute over 10 million pounds of food, produce, and grocery products to 600+ agencies that serve all 16 counties in Maine. GSFB is the primary and best source of food for most of these agencies. By partnering with GSFB they receive a combined savings of millions of dollars annually! This enables many stretch their limited operating funds to further extend theirl services to those who need it.
What is The Good Shepherd Food-Bank service area?
The Good Shepherd Food- Bank serves all 16 counties in Maine. Our reach extends from York to Aroostock County serving over 600 non-profit partner agencies.
Do people who are hungry go directly to GSFB for food?
No. Our partner agencies - including soup kitchens, food pantries, neighborhood centers, rehabilitation facilities, family crisis and homeless shelters, hospice programs, group and foster homes - provide the food and grocery products they receive from GSFB to their clients. It is estimated that 70,000 people per month are fed through our partner agencies.
