Maine Community Foundation announces $250K grant and mobilization of donor network to Address SNAP food shortages

The Maine Community Foundation announced a $250,000 donation and an effort to mobilize its large network of private donors to address the immediate, emergency need for food facing 170,000 Mainers as federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds lapse as of Saturday, Nov. 1.

“No one in Maine wants to see a neighbor – never mind 170,000 Mainers – going without food or going to bed hungry,” said MaineCF President and CEO Deborah Ellwood. “While the only sustainable solution is through public policy, Maine Community Foundation is making a $250,000 grant to Good Shepherd Food Bank to help keep Maine people from going hungry during this time. We also commit to uplift and spotlight this urgent need with our donors and fundholders.”

MaineCF’s community impact team partnered with Good Shepherd Food Bank to identify how its grant would have a maximum impact.

“Our $250,000 grant to the Mainers Feeding Mainers program at the Good Shepherd Food Bank will provide one month worth of nutritious, local food from 90 Maine farms as well as meals for 15,000 families of four,” said Laura Lee, vice president of community impact at MaineCF. “The Mainers Feeding Mainers initiative puts $2.7 million per year into Maine farms and this $250,000 grant will support families and communities in all parts of the state.”

In addition to its own grant to Good Shepherd Food Bank, MaineCF also announced an effort to spotlight the best ways to support organizations addressing food insecurity to its large network of donors. 

“Maine Community Foundation was able to make these grants today because MaineCF donors and fundholders have supported the foundation’s Invest in Maine Fund, which addresses critical and emerging needs,” said MaineCF Vice President of Donor Engagement, Becka Yturregui. “We encourage all of our donors and partners to support Good Shepherd Food Bank, give to their local food bank or reach out to us to partner on the most effective ways to help keep our neighbors from going hungry.”

MaineCF is using all of its platforms and relationships to encourage people to call or reach out to Good Shepherd Food Bank by phone 207-782-3554, donate online or support their local food pantry by using the food bank’s online map.

The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.