Celebrating Kristen Miale’s transformational impact on food insecurity in Maine

“Thank you for dedicating a huge part of your personal and professional life to the well-being of Maine families. You built Good Shepherd Food Bank into a multi-faceted, innovative, and tireless organization. It’s not only an organization that Maine is proud of. It’s an organization that food bank partners across the country think highly of. Your energy and tenacity to pursue new initiatives delivering nutritious meals to food-insecure Mainers are contagious. It’s evident in the dedicated team you assembled over the years at the Food Bank, whose longevity is a testament to your leadership. There’s been no task too big for you to overcome. Whether converting an empty old printing press in Hampden into a facility to serve a wider population or pursuing a public policy that brings fresh produce from Maine farms to those struggling to put food on the table, you rolled up your sleeves, put the game plan together, and delivered.”

“What a wonderful blessing that we have the Good Shepherd food bank and that Ms Miale’s contributions have gone so far to help alleviate hunger in Maine over the years; we can all be so thankful to her.”

“Once in a while you have the opportunity to work alongside someone who inspires, uplifts and embodies the transformation they bring into the world. I consider myself fortunate for the time I have had to work with and alongside you Kristen. You have made a lasting impact on my life and so many others! The state of Maine is better for your leadership and kindness…best wishes, you will be missed!”

“Kristen. Thanks so much for your leadership in raising awareness of the need for food assistance in Maine, and for leading the vehicle (GSFB) that enables donors to help. Good luck in your new endeavors.”

“I clearly recall our first meeting with Kristen and wondering afterwards how you would navigate such a drastic change in your environment. It is beyond impressive how you have combined the best of the for-profit world with the best of the not-for-profit world. I suspect having boundless energy and being an eternal optimist was helpful. I am grateful that you can start the next chapter of your life knowing you made such a postive impact on your community. All the best, Larry”

“Working with you over these past 12 years has been a gift that I will be forever grateful for. You’ve set the bar high for humility, generosity, grace, authenticity and for what it means to be a human-centered leader whose most important role is making sure others have what they need to thrive. Your forever friends at GSFB look forward to carrying your light forward as you go illuminate your next adventure and we can’t wait to see how our paths will keep crossing in the future!”

“Dear Kristen, we have never met, but we share a common concern: Food insecurity among children. I felt compelled to go from an occasional holiday donation to an auto monthly one, and after a year, I increased it. Thank you for raising awareness by reaching out to regular folks like me in the community. I will continue to support GSFB and wish you continued success and joy in your new endeavor.”

“Dear Kristen, The Angolan Community Members wish you a pleasant farewell…”

“Dear Kristen What a wonderful visionary job you have done! Thank you for leading such a worthwhile endeavor so well. Sarah”

“Thank you so very much for all you’ve done over the past decade+ to address food insecurity in Maine! Best wishes to you!”

“Thank you for all you have done; it is people like you that keep this world going. Wishing you the best.”

“We all want to make a difference in our lives. You, Kristen, have made the state of Maine a better place. You have improved the lives of tens of thousands of Mainers. You successfully led Good Shepherd Food Bank through the pandemic, helping even more Mainers in need. You are an inspiration to me and countless others. Thank you, Kristen, for all you have done. The state is better because of you.”

“Kristen, We’re all in awe of what you’ve accomplished in a short decade that included a pandemic! You managed to show us the human side of food insecurity while leading large projects to increase food storage and distribution throughout Maine. Your vision and determination have made GSFB an even stronger powerhouse in fighting hunger in Maine! All the best.”

“We fondly remember our many visits with you at Portland when you were organizing and leading “Cooking Matters” and your manifesting such care and concern for those the Lord speaks about in Matthew 16. We were so delighted when you became the leader of the GSFB and not at all surprised by the marvelous leadership you exhibited and the so many significant accomplishments you have done.”

“Thank you, Kristen, for your bold leadership, your vision, and your commitment to collaboration and centering the community. Your leadership has made a significant difference in the lives of Mainers.”

“Congratulations on your great success to help feed the communities in such struggling times; a job well done! Wishing continued success as you move on to new goals and successes! Thank you very much!”

“It has been a professional delight to get to know you and your leadership style over the years you have been at Good Shepard. I give thanks that our food system has benefitted from your wisdom, financial acumen, creativity and vision in the state of Maine and beyond. Best of luck as you venture forth for new opportunities!”

“ From a small food bank in Northern Aroostook County, we say”You Go Girl”For all the times in the early years when you must have thought… how is this ever gonna work or make a real difference? You can proudly say it has, it does, and will continue to.So we say.. keep on keeping on in whatever happens next in your life! ”

“My husband and I contribute every month. Although I don’t know you I wish you the best in life. Thank you for this wonderful contribution you’ve made. Brava!!!!”

“ Kristen, I will miss your bright smile and determined nature at our national and regional Feeding America meetings. You have been so kind to share your knowledge and wisdom with so many over the years, and from what I can see from the many notes here, you have also freely given so much more locally to your team and community. You have given your heart and soul to your work to ensure that your dream of a hunger-free Maine comes true. Your work has been foundational toward that goal which WILL be met someday, and when it does, it will, in part, be a result of your hard work. Good luck in this next chapter. ”

“ You are an inspiration to humankind through your tireless work to solve one of society’s most vexing problems while always wearing a smile! Thank you for showing us all how we can individually and collectively make a positive difference in a world where the least among us perpetually struggle. Wishing you all the best on the next leg of your journey. ”

“ Thank you, Kristen. It’s because of your believing in us that Burlington Food Pantry is on the map today! In March 2020, teaching school ended for me because of the pandemic. I started delivering school lunches, opening a wide front door to the food insecurity in my area of rural Penobscot County. It was a delight to meet with Kai Lounden from GSFBank. In just a short time, we were able to source food. Now, three years later, because of the support from GSFBank, we have a permanent location where nearly 400 households come twice a month to receive groceries. Best wishes as you continue to make a difference in the world! ”

“ Kristen,Your leadership has inspired our admiration and desire to ardently support GSFB. You have truly made a difference in the lives of thousands of food-insecure Mainers. Your initiative and innovative ideas.will be missed. Wishing u all the best in your future endeavors. ”

“ Great job well done Kristen. Sorry to see you leave as your such an asset to this organization. Wishing you well and success in your next challenge or adventure. ”

“ Kristen, You certainly are an inspiration! Congratulations on your leadership and accomplishments. This series of articles was a stunning tribute and a great way for the community to understand the challenges that are still facing us in Maine. I hope you will have some time to re-engage with IWF Maine in your new life! I look forward to seeing you again. ”

“ Kristen, I believe we should support companies and agencies based upon mission, connection with our values, and outcomes. But in this case, I decided to support Good Shepherd because of you. All the best to you with whatever comes next! ”

“ I remember having conversations with you about school nutrition and the food safety net as you looked for your next challenge. We talked about the demographics in our school system and how some of our kids were financially challenged. Little did I know at the time what an amazing difference you would make in the feeding of Maine folks. You made a huge difference for so many families with your vision and determination. Congratulations, and good luck with the next chapter. ”

“ Thank you for your exceptional leadership. I have enjoyed serving with this organization, and I know that my positive experience comes from caring and visionary leaders like you! I wish you the best in the next steps of your journey. ”