Good Shepherd Food Bank invests in strengthening food security

Good Shepherd Food Bank invests in strengthening food security

AUBURN, ME – Good Shepherd Food Bank is making significant investments in Maine’s hunger-relief network, providing additional support to help community partners meet the growing demand for food assistance and navigate reductions in federal food resources. As part of this effort, the Food Bank is providing more than $570,000 in unrestricted grants to food security organizations across the state, including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, school pantries, and hospital pantries. Each eligible partner will receive a grant in July to address their community’s most pressing needs, including purchasing food and supporting local distribution efforts. “This investment aligns with our commitment to achieving food security for everyone in Maine and reflects our commitment to stand alongside the organizations on the front lines of hunger relief in Maine,” said Heather Paquette, Good Shepherd Food Bank president. “Maine’s food pantries and other hunger-relief partners are facing increased demand while also adapting to significant reductions in resources. By providing flexible funding and additional food support, we can strengthen the network’s ability to respond today while building resilience for the future.” The grants are part of a broader investment to buoy food assistance across the state amidst declining federal support. Good Shepherd Food Bank has purchased additional fresh produce and other products from Maine farms and provided support for food purchases to its entire network of anti-hunger programs across the state. The Food Bank invested $5.3 million directly in food and funds for Maine communities in fiscal year 2026, which ended on June 30. These investments come during a period of significant strain on Maine’s charitable food network. The Food Bank has seen more than a 35% decline year-over-year in critical USDA food programs. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) has comprised about 20% of the Food Bank’s overall annual distribution in recent years and has been in decline since March 2025. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides shelf-stable food boxes for seniors, has declined by 10 percent this year, and the Local Food Purchasing Agreement, which prioritized sourcing food from Maine farms for local food pantries, has ended entirely. At the same time, demand for food assistance continues to rise. A sample of Maine food pantries reported a 10 percent increase in visits earlier this year, while more than 5,000 Mainers have lost SNAP benefits since January 2026. The Food Bank remains focused on ensuring Maine communities have access to nutritious food while strengthening the network of nearly 600 food pantries and other organizations that make that work possible. “The past year has highlighted just how essential a strong and resilient food security network is for Maine,” said Heather Paquette. “As federal resources continue to decline and more families face economic uncertainty, we are committed to investing in long-term solutions and supporting the community organizations that help ensure no Mainer faces hunger alone.”

Food Bank For NYC and Major League Eating Provide 100,000 Hot Dogs for New Yorkers Amid Extreme Heat - Food Bank For NYC

BROOKLYN, NY —In the middle of an extreme heat warning, with temperatures pushing 100 degrees, Food Bank For New York City and Major League Eating (MLE) didn’t blink. They showed up — fresh produce, grocery staples, and 100,000 hot dogs in hand. Because New Yorkers still need to eat, no matter what the thermometer says. The distribution took place at the Food Bank For NYC’s Mobile Pantry at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, bringing free groceri…