Christine B. Foundation urges rapid fundraising to meet nutrition needs of cancer patients and families

The Christine B. Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the nutrition needs of cancer patients and their families, has launched a time-sensitive fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 by the end of 2025. Funds will expand the foundation’s impact and deepen evaluation of how nutritious food supports patients experiencing a cancer diagnosis.

For nearly a decade, CBF has provided free healthy foods to every patient diagnosed with cancer and treated at Northern Light Health’s Cancer Care Center in Brewer and Mayo Regional Cancer Care Center in Dover-Foxcroft. The foundation now serves more than 1,500 people each year, many at higher risk of poor health outcomes due to rural isolation or financial hardship. More than 80% of participants are over age 55, and households engaged in the program for up to six months in 2024 saw an estimated $3,000 in financial relief. 

In September CBF launched a long-awaited research initiative called Nourishing Hope. This trial integrates community services, academic research and health care to evaluate how access to nutritious food and dietitian counseling affects treatment outcomes and the social, economic and physical factors families face during cancer. In addition to ongoing distribution of fresh produce at partner hospitals, select patients will also receive tailored grocery deliveries and guidance from oncology dietitians to help patients manage symptoms, maintain energy and enhance the effectiveness of treatment. 

“What began as an effort to provide relief to families is evolving into a proactive approach to improving patient outcomes,” said Matt Dexter, CBF founder and executive director. “Evidence shows that nutrition is an effective intervention strategy for a cancer diagnosis. Through Nourishing Hope we’re committed to ensuring every patient and family has the resources to face cancer with strength. In partnering with leading academic groups, other community services, and healthcare providers, we hope to better understand how food can act as medicine when paired with other critical treatment options.”

Dexter emphasized the growing need for the foundation’s work, “A cancer diagnosis rains down uncertainty and strain that is unbearable to many, disrupting access to healthy food and community connections when they are needed most. More families than ever are seeking our help.” 

In October CBF held its first-ever pop-up fundraising dinner, “Dinner with Christine B.”, featuring four of the Bangor Region’s most celebrated chefs in a multi-course meal highlighting the connection between food and health. This event, along with other recent fundraising efforts, has raised more than $70,000 toward the foundation’s goal. 

CBF now invites the broader community to help close the Nourishing Hope fundraising gap and ensure the organization can continue expanding access to nutritious food and holistic support for Mainers facing cancer. 

For more information on Christine B. Foundation, or to make a donation, please visit Chrisbfund.org. 

The Christine B. Foundation is a non-profit, community-based service provider in Bangor, ME. Our mission is to support those facing cancer by extending access to healthy food, nutritional information, and community connections essential to their strength and comfort.