Plans under way for new D-F food pantry

Contributed Article

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — After Pastor Tom Bruce publicly announced he would be retiring from his post at the Living Word Food Cupboard, a concerned group of community and business leaders began making plans for the development of a new 501(c)(3) organization: the Dover Foxcroft Area Food Cupboard. The new food cupboard will help ease the burden for families who are in need of food assistance throughout the region.

    Dover-Foxcroft and the surrounding communities have had a food cupboard for over 35 years, beginning in the United Methodist Church in 1980. Pastor Bruce took over the leadership of the cupboard 25 years ago; and as of today, more than 200 families are fed in Piscataquis and part of Penobscot counties twice per month. The food bank received its food primarily from the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Bangor and the USDA through Penquis, along with help from area supermarkets, food drives and donations.
    “The town of Dover Foxcroft has supported the food cupboard, as have local churches, organizations and several area businesses. We are hopeful these food & funding sources will remain viable,” said James Macomber of Penquis.
    “Now, we ask others to consider how they could partner with us to continue to feed families that need a hand-up. Wills Shop N’ Save, Shaw’s Supermarket and Save-A-Lot are currently running food drives to keep the cupboards filled by selling such things as vegetables, pasta, and pasta sauce at or below cost. In-kind donations are more than welcome, such as heating oil, shelving or office furniture, or to volunteer or spread the word through social media,” said Macomber
    Organizers say that this transition is going to be challenging from a monetary perspective and they are seeking financial support from area businesses to give the food cupboard a strong start.
    “The matter is urgent; start-up costs are significant for a project like this, and we want to be certain that the transition is as seamless as possible for the families,” he added.
    The new food cupboard location has not yet been determined and organizers are currently seeking a viable location. If you have any ideas or available space, please call Macomber at 974-2476 or email him jmacomber@penquis.org.
    The Dover-Foxcroft Area Food Cupboard is hoping to do its first food distribution in April or May
    Follow them on Facebook at DFAreaFoodCupboard.