Support for kids when they need it most
Our programs serve Maine youth and families year-round.
Youth & Family Initiatives
Our Youth and Family Programs focus on meeting the nutritional needs of children during the times they are most likely to experience hunger: after school, on weekends, and during summer vacation.
School Pantry
We partner with over 210 public schools, early childhood centers, and college campuses to provide consistent access to nutritious food for students and their families.
Our school partners not only serve as food distribution sites in vulnerable areas but also function as vital community resource hubs where families feel welcomed, supported, and safe.
Kid’s Café
The Kid’s Café program provides highly nutritious, kid-friendly snacks and prepared meals at community locations during after school hours.
In addition to providing a safe space for children to work on homework and explore new interests, Kid’s Café partners also host nutrition education programs for participants year-round.
Summer Food Service
During the summer months, we work with partners in Brewer and Bangor to serve up freshly prepared meals that are both nutritious and delicious for FREE to children ages 18 and under.
Use the Summer Meal Site Finder or text “Summer Meals” to 97779 / Call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
Bring these programs to your local community
The Youth & Family Initiatives Support Team
Meet the team that supports our Youth and Family Initiative Programs.
Laura Vinal
Senior Manager of Community Initiatives
Laura Vinal, Senior Manager of Community Initiatives, oversees the Food Bank’s Youth and Families Initiative Programs and Community Health and Hunger Program, working with schools, afterschool programs, and healthcare organizations across Maine. In addition to program oversight, she supports various strategic initiatives focused on increasing food access in communities with limited or no access to the Food Bank’s partner network. She has extensive experience in project management and program design and is passionate about supporting initiatives promoting health equity.
Laura holds a B.S. in Middle/Secondary Education from the University of Maine Farmington. Before joining Good Shepherd Food Bank, she served in Peace Corps Ukraine, teaching K-12 English and leading curriculum development workshops at local universities.
She lives in Bowdoinham, Maine, with her husband and daughter and, in her free time, enjoys being outside, spending time with family and friends, and traveling when she can.
Kazia Knepp
Youth and Family Initiatives Coordinator
Kazia Knepp has been with the food bank for two years. As the Youth and Family Initiatives Coordinator, she oversees our network of School Pantry partners.
Danielle Labonte
Youth and Family Initiatives Coordinator
Danielle Labonte has been with the food bank for six years. As the Afterschool School and Federal Program Coordinator, she administers the Kid’s Café Program and the Summer Meal Program and supports our network of School Pantry partners.
Danielle lives in Oxford County with her family. She has a daughter in High School, two cats, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and gardening.