Skip to content

Nutritional Security: A Key Focus in Combating Food Insecurity in Maine

At Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, our mission has always been clear: to eliminate hunger in Maine by ensuring that our neighbors have equitable access to the food they need, where and when they need it. However, an equally important aspect that deserves our attention is nutritional security.

Understanding Nutritional Security

You may be asking yourself – what is nutritional security? It’s about more than just having enough to eat; it’s about having the right kinds of food that provide the essential nutrients necessary for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. Nutritional security goes beyond simply having enough food to fill our stomachs; it emphasizes the importance of consistent access to safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich foods that promote overall health and well-being.  

Why Nutritional Security Matters in Maine

Our work across Maine has shown us that addressing food insecurity isn’t just about quantity but quality. Nutritional security is tied closely to the health of our communities. Diet-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are significant challenges in Maine. By prioritizing nutritional security, we can reduce the long-term healthcare burden and improve the quality of life for our neighbors.

Proper nutrition is critical for the nearly 46,000 children, or 1 in five kids, in Maine who may not know where their next meal is coming from. Ensuring Maine’s children receive the right foods needed for healthy growth and development, laying the foundation for their future success.

Nutritional security is also closely tied to economic stability. Families with access to healthy foods are less likely to face the financial strain caused by diet-related illnesses. This, in turn, supports the evolution of a more resilient community.

Three volunteers at a food pantry
Boxes of produce.

Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Commitment to Nutritional Security

Maine’s largest food bank dedicates itself to addressing nutritional security through several essential programs:

  • Mainers Feeding Mainers is a Food Bank program that partners with over 90 local farms to bring fresh, locally grown food to our neighbors. By providing nutrient-rich vegetables, proteins, and fruits, we’re supporting the local agricultural economy and the health of our communities.
  • Nutrition and Education Programs: We provide nutrition education and store tours to help families, seniors, and individuals make healthier food choices. Our Cooking Matters program, for instance, offers hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations that teach participants how to shop for ingredients and prepare nutritious meals on a budget.
  • Community Health Partnerships: The Food Bank works closely with healthcare providers across the state to integrate food and nutrition into patient care. Our healthcare partners provide food insecurity screenings during appointments and offer emergency food bags or food pantry services on-site. By directly addressing diet-related health issues, we can address food insecurity with a focus on nutrition.
  • Food Pantry Network: Maine has a tight network of over 600 hunger relief organizations and agencies that prioritize distributing nutrient-rich foods like fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains. The Food Bank uses the Healthy Eating Research (HER) Nutrition Guidelines for the foods we offer to the network. Learn more about how the Food Bank is implementing these guidelines.
  • Farm Fresh Rewards: SNAP shoppers receive a discount at participating local grocery stores and food co-ops through this program. By partnering with Farm Fresh Rewards, we help increase access to affordable, nutritious produce and foods for families across Maine.
  • Nutrition for ME: This Food Bank-driven resource provides nutrition tips, healthy recipes, and guidance on how to make nutritious food choices on a budget, helping Mainers access valuable information to support healthier eating habits.

Looking Ahead

As Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine continues our fight against hunger in Maine, nutritional security will remain at the heart of our efforts. By focusing on both the quantity and quality of the food we distribute, we can create a healthier, more resilient Maine for all.

Together, we can ensure that every Mainer has enough to eat and access to the nutritious foods they need to thrive. Nutritional security is essential for a healthier future, and we’re proud to lead the way in making this vision a reality.