Stories from the Road – Andover Food Pantry
On a beautiful fall day, we headed west to Oxford County, Maine, to visit the Andover Food Pantry. Located in a church that generously provides the space though has no direct affiliation, the pantry serves the town of Andover and the surrounding communities.
The Andover Food Pantry operates on a choice-model distribution system every Tuesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. During the summer months, through September 1, they extend their services with an additional evening distribution from 6 to 7 p.m. This model empowers neighbors to select the items they need, promoting dignity and choice in the process. Each week, the pantry distributes around 200 to 600 pounds of fresh food, sourced from the USDA, Good Shepherd Food Bank, and from local farmers through the Farm to Table program. They also conduct a retail pickup at Walmart three times a month.
A unique aspect of the Andover Food Pantry is its strong connection to the local community. They receive a significant amount of farm-fresh produce from residents with small gardens who donate their extra to the food pantry. Many visitors come in seeking this fresh produce, emphasizing the pantry’s role in the community.
Welcoming Hikers and Families
Nestled near some of Maine’s beautiful hiking trails, the pantry also serves a unique visiting neighbors: Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hikers. They prepare special items like trail mix for these adventurous visitors and have had “trail angels” distribute food along the trails to people who need it. While the pantry primarily serves older Mainers, it also supports families. However, many people hesitate to come due to the stigma surrounding seeking food assistance, a challenge the pantry is actively working to address.
A Dedicated Volunteer Team
With a core group of 10-12 active volunteers, the pantry thrives on community involvement. Among these volunteers are the youngest helpers—a six-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl who eagerly assist their dad each week. The pantry has three administrative roles to manage orders and maintain the website. One volunteer focuses on helping shoppers find creative ways to use the pantry’s ingredients, and plans are in place to connect neighbors with additional services in the future.
We met with Christine, the pantry manager, who has been in her role for a year and a half but has been part of the pantry since 2018. A retired schoolteacher, Christine began volunteering after her husband, Ross, recruited her. Together, they find joy in helping others and spending time with fellow volunteers. She loves engaging with neighbors in her community.
The pantry serves approximately 52 families each week, translating to around 300-325 individuals monthly. On the day of our visit, they welcomed seven new families. The Andover Food Pantry also offers homebound deliveries, ensuring that those who cannot make it to the pantry still receive assistance.
Volunteering and Community Connection
Ellen, a dedicated volunteer for ten years, shared her experience. A retired CNA, she enjoys volunteering as it gets her out of the house and allows her to meet wonderful people. Deb, another volunteer with experience at Hannaford, noted the ongoing challenge of keeping meat in stock due to high demand.
The Andover Food Pantry illustrates the strength of community, compassion, and resilience. By breaking down stigma and building connections, they not only provide food but also create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through their doors. As we left, it was clear that the pantry is more than just a place to get food—it’s an essential part Andover, helping to weave together stories of hope and support.
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.