Stories from the Road: Bowdoinham Food Pantry
Nestled by the waterfront and surrounded by an uplifting small rural community is the Bowdoinham Food Pantry – a welcoming and friendly space for all neighbors. Every Wednesday afternoon, the pantry opens its doors to welcome anyone who needs food. Their shelves are stocked with essentials and volunteers are ready to help and support.
We visited the pantry on a quiet but hot summer day where the only people we saw were locals going for a swim down at the waterfront. Inside was a different story, the pantry hummed with activity while some volunteers busily prepared kale and Waldorf salad for distribution that evening, and others happily chatted while stocking the shelves with fresh produce from local farms, canned goods, dairy products, and pet supplies. The pantry is visited by many families in Bowdoin and Bowdoinham so there is always lot of work to do. But what struck us immediately was the atmosphere of dignity and choice. Here, neighbors can browse the aisles, selecting items that suit their preferences and dietary needs, empowered by a pantry that respects their autonomy.
Jenn, the pantry director, greeted us with a warm smile that echoed her dedication. “We strive to make this feel like a small grocery store,” she explains, gesturing towards the meticulously organized shelves. “We don’t want our neighbors to only survive, we want them to thrive.” Her passion for the pantry’s mission was palpable as she shared stories of transformation and resilience among the many families who visit the pantry. “We work so hard at the stigma piece. It feels good that people are getting the message that we are open to everyone. Because it’s more than food. We get to be a small piece in people’s stories.”
One such story is of a nursing student, juggling work, education, and the demands of a growing family. Overwhelmed, she had considered giving up her studies until the pantry stepped in with deliveries of nutritious meals and words of encouragement. Two years later, she returned to share her success—a testament to the pantry’s role not just in providing sustenance but hope and opportunity.
Such stories of resilience are made possible not only by the support received but by the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Each volunteer brings their unique stories, unique skill sets and passion behind why they continue to show up for their community.
Volunteers like George, known for his culinary skills honed in New Orleans, add a unique flavor to the pantry’s community spirit. His weekly creations—whether a hearty fish chowder or enchilada sauce—are a highlight, drawing neighbors together over shared meals and stories. “I’m a food person,” stated George when asked why he enjoys volunteering at the pantry. “Great community. Life is good when people gather over food.”
Camilla, with her farm-fresh flowers and basil for pesto, pays homage to her late brother Luke, one of the pantry’s founding volunteers. Her dedication mirrors that of many others who, inspired by personal loss or just a desire to give back, have found purpose in helping people in their community.
Beyond the shelves and fresh produce, the pantry pulses with initiatives that extend its reach. From the Weekend Food for Kids program—ensuring children have nourishing meals year-round—to collaborative efforts with local farmers and businesses, the pantry embodies a holistic approach to tackling food insecurity.
Throughout our visit, we witnessed bonds forged among volunteers like Linda and Barbara, who found friendship in their shared passion for service, whether organizing fundraising events or assembling meal kits.
Barbara loves to crochet and has been volunteering at the pantry for a couple of years. She started by delivering groceries, eventually moving to her current role inside the pantry where she does a little bit of everything, including making her famous banana jam. After her husband died, Barbara started coming as a neighbor, so she knows firsthand how important the pantry is to so many people. She also shared how things have changed over the years, noting “The pantry used to be small with no choices for people. You went there and someone handed you a box but now it is so much better, it’s a great place.” She also shared how many in the town didn’t realize how prevalent hunger was in their area, sharing “The pandemic brought it to light when the pantry was forced to switch to bringing food boxes to vehicles and the line was into the street. That made it very visible to a lot of people.”
Another volunteer we met with, Elaine, shared that after moving to Bowdoinham a few years ago she had a change in her work schedule and wanted to get involved in her new community. So, she started volunteering at the food pantry and helped at the Falcon Market, an affiliated pantry at the local elementary school where her child would soon be attending Kindergarten. She said she has volunteered at the Bowdoinham Food Pantry ever since, sharing how the community comes together to help each other is a good sign and that volunteering is contagious. She also shared “I feel like it’s selfish because of how much I get out of volunteering. It makes me feel good and like I’m doing something for my community.”
Leaving the pantry that day, we carry with us not just the stories of Bowdoinham neighbors and volunteers, but the warmth and energy of the community’s unity and support to people experiencing hunger. They truly provide more than just food – a place that offers hope and shared humanity.
With our partner agencies spread throughout the entire state, there will likely be help nearby if you need food. If you’re looking for help or interested in donating food or volunteering at your local food pantry, please visit our Food Map to find a pantry near you.
Good Shepherd Food Bank works in partnership with nearly 600 hunger-relief organizations, located from Kittery to Fort Kent, to help distribute food to community members in need. Our network of partner agencies includes food pantries, meal sites, senior centers, school programs, and healthcare facilities.