Food Bank Seeks to Raise $200,000 During Virtual Holiday Food Drive
Hannaford kicks off campaign with $50,000 gift
Auburn, ME – Record numbers of Mainers are struggling to access enough food – a situation that will only become more difficult as we enter the holiday season and long winter ahead. In an effort to provide nutritious food for the 15 percent of Maine households that face hunger, Good Shepherd Food Bank has set a goal of $200,000 for its 2011 Virtual Holiday Food Drive, taking place on its web site at feedingmaine.org.
Hannaford Supermarkets has generously kicked off this annual campaign with a $50,000 gift, and the Food Bank is asking people throughout Maine to do their part and help bring the total up to $200,000. Funds raised will help meet the increasing need for emergency food throughout the state.
“With demand at an all-time high, and the need just getting larger as we approach a tough time of the year, we wanted to help,” said Tap Fitzgerald, Community Relations Specialist for Hannaford Supermarkets. “It is our hope that other businesses and citizens in the state will recognize the need and step up to do what they can. It could be a large donation, or even a couple dollars – we need everyone to join us and do what they can to help stop hunger in Maine.”
Good Shepherd Food Bank’s partner agencies are reporting a significant increase in need this year. Food pantries and soup kitchens look to the Food Bank at this time of year to stock up for additional meal programs and holiday food donations. During this time of increased need, the Food-Bank needs help to meet the demand from the 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other nonprofits that it supplies throughout the state. A gift of $10 to the Food-Bank can provide $80 worth of food for Mainers in need.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported in September that more than 49 million Americans are unable to access adequate amounts of nutritious food. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Mainers are facing hunger, including 1 in 4 Maine children.
“It is evident from the recent statistics, and from what we hear from our partner agencies, that our help is needed now more than ever,” said Rick Small, president & CEO of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “For our neighbors who are struggling to put food on their tables each week, the upcoming holiday season and the long Maine winter pose an overwhelming burden. So it’s very important that we all come together to raise these crucial funds.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Virtual Holiday Food Drive, please visit www.feedingmaine.org.
For statistics on poverty and hunger, media inquiries, photos, or interview requests, please contact Clara McConnell at (207) 761-0542 or cmcconnell@gsfb.org.
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About Good Shepherd Food-Bank
The largest hunger relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank provides for those at risk of hunger by soliciting and distributing surplus food to more than 600 partner agencies. Since 1981, the Food Bank has partnered with individuals, businesses and farmers to alleviate hunger and build community relationships. In 2010 the Food Bank distributed 12 million pounds of food to families and individuals throughout Maine. Web site: www.feedingmaine.org. Phone: (207) 782-3554. Facebook: www.facebook.com/feedingmaine Twitter: www.twitter.com/feedingmaine