Stories from the Road: Ecumenical Food Pantry – Newcastle
In the coastal town of Newcastle, Maine, the Ecumenical Food Pantry is an essential resource for families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity since 1989. Founded by members of the Second Congregational Church with the support of seven other area churches, the pantry has grown into a key community asset, run entirely by volunteers and donations.
A brief history of the pantry
Every Tuesday, the pantry serves 65-70 families. It offers more than just food; the Tuesday Help Desk helps people apply for essential services like SNAP benefits and home repairs. The Weekend Meal Program delivers 130 kid packs to local schools and Head Start programs, ensuring children have nutritious meals and snacks.
Susan Rockwood, the board president since 2022, has been a passionate advocate for the pantry. Her involvement began with the Ecumenical Diaper Bank, where she organized a drive collecting 11,000 diapers. Susan’s move to Maine was driven by a love for the state’s seafood and community spirit. “Food means a sense of place and community,” she says. “It’s about providing for my family and feeling safe.”
The pantry’s impact is significant. Susan recounts how they once provided bus tickets for a mother traveling to Boston for her child’s brain surgery. They also offer ready-made meals and utensils to neighbors living out of cars or without shelter.
Ellen Dickens, the pantry manager since 2019, sees firsthand the challenges families face in Lincoln County. With a background in education, she understands how many people rely on the pantry to stretch their food budgets for other necessities.
Farm to pantry
With most of the food being purchased through the Food Bank or donated from the community, partnerships with farms are a huge resource for fresh and nutritious food in the area. One of those farm partners is The Twin Villages Food Bank Farm, a partner in the Mainers Feeding Mainers program. The farm supplies the pantry with fresh produce. Founded by Meg and Sara in 2015, the farm also includes the Darrows Barn Food Storage Hub, which stores both fresh and non-perishable food.
Volunteers of Newcastle
The pantry’s strength lies in its volunteers. On the day we visited, we met the three gentlemen who are always ready to work to setup the pantry and then socialize after with a hot cup of coffee. After unloading the truck, sorting through the food, and preparing the pantry for the day, we met each of the three and reflected on their many years of volunteering. Richard, who has volunteered for ten years, recalls the early days before there was fresh produce at the pantry. “We used to trade donuts for farm fresh produce.” He particularly values the partnership with Twin Villages. Wendell, with over 15 years of service, emphasizes the philosophy of “take what you need, whenever you need it.” Al, a former Marine and dairy farmer, enjoys the camaraderie and giving back. We also met with other volunteers like Diane, who creates meal kits for those with limited cooking skills or appliances, while Cindy, a five-year volunteer, values the pantry’s efficiency and friendly atmosphere and has even involved her husband in volunteering.
The Ecumenical Food Pantry’s growth reflects the power of community and volunteerism. Through the dedication of its volunteers, support from local farms, and the real stories of those it helps, the pantry makes a meaningful difference in many lives.
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.