Northern Light Mayo Hospital employees embrace the power of protein, support Piscataquis Regional Food Center
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The price of protein-rich food has increased in recent months, putting this essential component of a healthy diet out of reach for a growing number of families in our communities. Recently Northern Light Mayo Hospital employees responded by holding the Powered by Protein Food Drive to stock the Piscataquis Regional Food Center with peanut butter, canned tuna and chicken, beans, and other protein-rich food.
Employees throughout the organization contributed to the drive, including nursing, support staff, and leadership teams.
“Healthcare workers are passionate about helping their patients and community, so it’s not surprising that so many employees have stepped up to support the food drive. A great thing about the food drive is that it is local— all of the food donations stay right here in the region to help local families,” says Denise Scuderi, MSN, BSN, RN, vice president of nursing and patient care services.
FOOD DELIVERY — Whitney Gould-Cookson, MS, RD, LD, clinical dietitian, Northern Light Mayo Hospital and chair of the Piscataquis Regional Food Center Board of Directors, left, and Kelly Sirimoglu, executive director of the PRFC, coordinate delivery of the food.
Northern Light Mayo Hospital’s certified nursing assistant students brought in food for the drive and distributed and picked up the food collection boxes from departments across the hospital.
“The CNA students gave because they knew there was a need. Many of us take for granted the simple things such as a can of tuna, beans, or a jar of peanut butter. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to our communities,” says Beth Weatherbee, BSN, M. Ed, staff development specialist and the CNA course instructor.
The Mayo Hospital team collected approximately 450 cans and boxes of food, more than one item for each hospital employee. The food will be distributed by the Piscataquis Regional Food Center, home of the Dover-Foxcroft Area Food Center. The Center served 9,212 people in 2023, including 1,115 home deliveries.
ONCOLOGY CONTRIBUTIONS — Northern Light Mayo Hospital employees throughout the hospital contributed, including the oncology team. Peggy Cookson-Fogg and Nichole Poole, pictured, and Lisa Murray and Darcy Merrill, not pictured, filled up their department’s collection box with peanut butter, oatmeal, and much more.
“We are so grateful to the employees of Northern Light Mayo Hospital for this donation. These items will help sustain the many seniors, families, and individuals who count on the Food Center to access healthy foods,” says Kelly Sirimoglu, executive director, PRFC.
The food center serves residents from Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Somerset counties in the Maine Highlands region.