WESTBROOK — Credit unions in Maine are deeply committed to addressing food insecurity in the state they call home. In addition to raising thousands of dollars each year to combat hunger, credit unions work hard to generate awareness about food insecurity in the communities they serve. As part of their longstanding efforts, Maine credit unions are proud to announce the launch of their fifth annual $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge.
Throughout the month of October, Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger will be working to raise $100,000 to provide access to nutritious meals for those in need. Proceeds from the monthlong fundraiser will support Good Shepherd Food Bank, local food pantries, meal sites, and a new pilot program with Special Olympics Maine that will help athletes who are facing food insecurity.
“It’s exciting to tackle a challenge, and fighting hunger is a critical endeavor we simply cannot ignore,” shared Elise Baldacci, president of the Maine Credit Union League. “Every community in our state is impacted by food insecurity ― no town or city is immune from this systemic problem. That is why it is important for Mainers to come together in this way to help break down the barriers that are preventing individuals from accessing the nutritious foods they need to live a healthy life.”
As part of the Challenge, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to make a secure online donation to Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Some credit unions also are accepting donations at their branches. A portion of the donations generated online (25 percent) will directly benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank.
“The Challenge truly is a testament to our credit union network’s ongoing commitment to ensuring no Mainer goes to bed hungry,” shared Jen Burke, assistant vice president of outreach and communications at the Maine Credit Union League. “In prior years, we facilitated our $100,000 Challenge during the month of June but moved it to October to coincide with the celebration of International Credit Union Day, happening on Oct. 17. This special day commemorates the work credit unions do year-round to advance their communities and improve the financial lives of their members. Hosting the Challenge in the fall is a great way to honor the merits of this international celebration, while also helping our neighbors in need.”
You do not need to be a member of a Maine credit union to donate to the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge. All donations to support this effort through Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger are tax deductible. Both business and individual contributors will be listed on the Campaign’s website (with permission).
“We see firsthand how hunger impacts families and communities across Maine, and the support from Maine’s credit unions through the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge makes a meaningful difference,” stated Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine. “By coming together through initiatives like this the Food Bank, alongside our 600 partner agencies, can provide more nutritious and culturally relevant meals and work toward a future where no Mainer has to worry about where their next meal will come from. We are deeply grateful for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign to End Hunger’s unwavering commitment to ending hunger in our state.”
Since 1990 the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $13.5 million, including over $1,200,000 in food and cash contributions in 2023.
The Maine Credit Union League is a nonprofit, professional trade association that exists to serve Maine’s credit unions. Founded in 1938, the League’s mission is to help credit unions succeed and improve the financial lives of their members. As the trade association for Maine’s credit unions, the League provides advocacy, education, and other resources designed to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.
