Stories from the Road – Whitefield Food Pantry
The Whitefield Food Pantry located in the town of Whitefield, Maine, is a vital resource for people experiencing food insecurity in the surrounding area. Currently operating out of the Calvary Baptist Church but independently run, it has also become a gathering place with a strong sense of community. The pantry is open on the 1st Friday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and offers a shopping model where neighbors can select their own groceries with no limits.
Upon entering the pantry, we noticed a welcoming atmosphere that filled the small but useful space. The pantry is filled with dedicated volunteers ready to help anyone who enters their doors – whether that is helping pick out food and giving recipe suggestions, or helping neighbors bring groceries to their car.
Jeanne, the pantry manager, shared some insights about their transition to the shopping model. “When we first switched to this model, there was a lot of concern that it might deplete our supplies too quickly,” she explained. “But it didn’t. People come from all over, and we don’t refuse anyone. We figure if they’re here, they need it, and luckily, we have enough for everyone.”
This abundance is made possible through a network of generous donors and partners. The pantry receives food from the Food Bank, Twin Villages Farm, local retailers like Hannaford, and donations from Pepperidge Farm. The Sheepscot General Store and Farm, a Farm Fresh Rewards participating retail store, also contributes monthly donations of bread, excess produce, and sometimes even unexpected items like hygiene products. Their generosity adds variety to the pantry’s offerings.
The partnership with Twin Villages Farm, part of the Food Bank’s Mainers Feeding Mainers program, is especially important in increasing the availability of fresh produce. With 1 in 8 residents in Lincoln County facing hunger, this support has been crucial in meeting the growing demand for nutritious food.
During our visit, we met with some of the pantry’s devoted volunteers. Marie, who has been volunteering for three years, expressed her passion for the work. “I enjoy the service,” she said. “The people are the most wonderful.” Her warmth and dedication set a tone of genuine care throughout the pantry.
Volunteer Priscilla, a vibrant 82-year-old with an infectious sense of humor, was another standout. Known for her witty remarks and spirited personality, Priscilla balances her full-time job at Walmart with her volunteer work and painting. Her artwork, proudly displayed in the pantry, has won numerous local awards, adding a personal touch to the space.
Janet, a volunteer for over a decade, shared her experiences with a sense of fulfillment. “I love seeing people come through and take what they need and like. People are honest and good. That’s why we all do it; the people” she said. Janet’s commitment to the pantry reflects her deep-rooted connection to the people in the community.
And then there’s Linda, whose famous cookies are a cherished treat at the pantry. Known for her signature recipe that includes both white and dark chocolate chips with a touch of Heath Bar crunch, Linda’s cookies have become a beloved tradition. “Volunteering makes me happy,” she said, “and I like seeing people leave with cookies and smiles on their faces.”
As we left that day, it was clear that the Whitefield Food Pantry is more than just a place to get food. It’s a meeting place for the community filled with generosity, camaraderie, and support. The pantry’s dedicated volunteers and generous partners work tirelessly to ensure that no one in Whitefield goes without the support they need, creating a sense of family and belonging for all who walk through its doors. A couple who was shopping in the pantry that day shared “we love the people and the atmosphere, it’s like a family.”
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.