6th Annual Feed ME Food Drive a Great Success

On Saturday, May 7, WCSH 6, WLBZ 2, and Hannaford Supermarkets, held Feed ME – a food drive to benefit the largest hunger relief organization in Maine – Good Shepherd Food-Bank. WCSH 6 and WLBZ 2 on-air personalities broadcasted live from Hannaford Supermarkets in Bangor, Augusta, Portland, and Sanford.

On this one day, these four locations accepted 9,770 pounds of food and on-the-spot cash donations surpassing $12,000; this equals 67,500 meals.

Because Good Shepherd Food-Bank is able to leverage buying power in a significant way, every dollar donated represents $8.00 worth of food. “The donations from the Feed ME Food Drive will have a significant and immediate impact on communities throughout Maine,” said Rick Small, President and CEO of Good Shepherd Food-Bank. “We continue to see the need for emergency food increase, but we know that, thanks to the generous donations we received on Saturday, more food will make it onto Maine tables this year.”

Hannaford Supermarkets will continue to accept cash donations at every checkout register throughout the month of May. “We are so grateful to be able to partner with Hannaford, WCSH 6, and WLBZ 2 for the Feed ME Food Drive,” said Christine Force, VP of Fund Development and Strategic Initiatives at Good Shepherd Food-Bank. “It’s because of these partners that we’re able to inform so many Mainers about hunger in their communities and collect such an impressive amount of donations for struggling Maine families.”

Nearly 195,000 people living in Maine struggle with hunger. Maine ranks 8th in the nation, and 1st in New England, in terms of household food insecurity. One in 5 children is food-insecure. Children living with hunger are more likely to experience learning- or health-related problems. Families who receive assistance for school lunch or breakfast programs face the daunting task of providing up to 10 more meals per week – per child – until September. These generous donations will help many families tide over the summer months.

During fiscal year 2009-2010, the Food Bank distributed 12 million pounds of food to families and individuals throughout Maine, through relationships with more than 600 partner agencies, including soup kitchens, shelters, after school programs, food pantries, day care centers, senior centers and youth programs.