The number of hungry Mainers has risen dramatically over the past two years.  Most of those now struggling are families with one, often two, incomes.  Your support allows us to operate well, supplying the food that feeds our neighbors in need.   Your gifts make it possible for Good Shepherd Food-Bank to distribute food to every county in Maine, providing for families, individuals, senior citizens, and children.   Simply put, there are not enough words to thank you for your support.  However, with heartfelt sincerity... thank you.   Sincerely, Rick Small Executive Director One In Six:  how we're addressing the need This morning you probably grabbed some breakfast and maybe a drink at your local coffee shop.  You may skip breakfast when you're running late, but chances are you always have the option. And lunch may be a busy time, filled with business meetings or appointments.  So you might grab lunch on the go, but chances are you can eat whenever you'd like.   For many children, three meals a day is not an option.  They are considered "food insecure" because they are unsure of when or where they will have their next meal.  Consider this:  more than 12 million children in the United States, including one in five Maine children, struggle with hunger.*  At some point throughout the year, these children and their parents will experience the anxiety that comes from not knowing when they will eat next.   Through generous donations from Shaw's Supermarkets and the New England Patriots football team, Good Shepherd Food-Bank has established Feeding Maine Youth to address the issue of childhood food insecurity.  With the donated funds, the Food-Bank is extending grant money to establish feeding programs for children at partner agencies, including The Root Cellar, Lewiston; Mission Possible Teen Center, Westbrook; and Penobscot Boys & Girls Club, Indian Island. Children at these programs will receive healthy, nutritious meals in addition to nutrition education and mentoring or recreational activities.  And they'll have a chance to enjoy being kids. Interested in supporting this program?  Please contact Jason Hall at (207) 782-3544 or jhall@gsfb.org. *Source: Child Food Insecurity in the United States:  2005-2007 Q & A with the Food-Bank Ever wonder how the Food-Bank operates -- getting food and funds from generous donors to those who need it most?  Here are some frequently asked questions.    What is a food bank?  Based on the idea of a "bank," individuals, businesses and other organizations can make "deposits" of food and funds.  The Food-Bank's partner agencies can then make "withdrawals" for their clients.   Where does the food come from?  In addition to purchasing product, the Food-Bank receives donated food from individuals, small businesses, corporations, manufacturers, and growers.   How is the Food-Bank utilizing financial donations?  Because of the Food-Bank's efficiency of operations and partnerships with businesses and organizations throughout Maine, a $1 donation becomes $12.50 in retail value food for partner agencies.  A $10 gift is enough to provide 48 meals for those in need.  To ensure that we are providing nutritious items to our partner agencies, the Food-Bank purchases a variety of items, including protein products and meats.    Have a question you would like answered?  Email it to Melody Dowell at mdowell@gsfb.org.  Your questions will be answered in upcoming Food-Bank eNewsletters. Feeding Maine Youth Q&A with the Food-Bank What We're Reading Get Involved About Us Agency Listing Make A Gift Why Supporting Farmers' Markets that accept Food Stamps is Important   Nation's Nutritional Safety Net turns 40   Economic Recovery Funds Help Feed the Nation's Hungry Food-Bank partners Speak Out... There is NO WAY that our pantry could provide ANYWHERE NEAR the assistance that we do without Good Shepherd Food-Bank. As with the rest of the country, the number of people seeking our assistance continues to grow. We also know that there are a lot of folks out there who are in need and are not accessing the resources in their area. Our thanks to the staff, volunteers, patrons, affiliates and companies who make this all possible.  Also appreciated are the smiles of the staff/volunteers at the Food-Bank.   -- Pauline Johnstone, President Board of Directors,Camden Area Christian Food Pantry  Click here for more agency testimonials.