Support for kids when they need it most
Our programs serve Maine youth and families year-round.
Youth & Family Initiatives
Our Youth and Family Programs focus on meeting the nutritional needs of children during the times they are most likely to experience hunger: after school, on weekends, and during summer vacation.
School Pantry
We partner with nearly 200 public schools, early childhood centers, and college campuses to provide consistent access to nutritious food for students and their families.
Our school partners not only serve as food distribution sites in vulnerable areas but also function as vital community resource hubs where families feel welcomed, supported, and safe.
Kid’s Café
The Kid’s Café program provides highly nutritious, kid-friendly snacks and prepared meals at community locations during after school hours.
In addition to providing a safe space for children to work on homework and explore new interests, Kid’s Café partners also host nutrition education programs for participants year-round.
Summer Food Service
During the summer months, we work with partners in Brewer and Bangor to serve up freshly prepared meals that are both nutritious and delicious for FREE to children ages 18 and under.
Use the Summer Meal Site Finder or text “Summer Meals” to 97779 / Call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
Bring these programs to your local community
The Youth & Family Initiatives Support Team
Meet the team that supports our Youth and Family Initiative Programs.
Laura Vinal
Senior Manager of Community Initiatives
Laura Vinal, Network Engagement & Training Manager, leads the development and coordination of network-wide trainings and resources for partners and our Community Partnerships team. From Town Halls and on-demand trainings to newsletters and survey analytics, Laura ensures our partners, and the team that supports them, are equipped with the tools and information they need to build capacity and stay aligned with our strategic goals.
Laura holds a B.S. in Middle/Secondary Education from the University of Maine Farmington. Before joining Good Shepherd Food Bank, she served in Peace Corps Ukraine, teaching K-12 English and leading curriculum development workshops at local universities.
She lives in Bowdoinham, Maine, with her husband and daughter and, in her free time, enjoys being outside, spending time with family and friends, and traveling when she can.
Danielle Labonte
Community Connections Specialist
Danielle Labonte has been with the food bank for six years and is the Community Connections Specialist for Androscoggin County and the Northern Oxford Hill Region,
Danielle lives in Oxford County with her family. She has a daughter in High School, two cats, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and gardening.