FREEPORT — Credit union representatives from across Maine gathered in Freeport to announce the latest fundraising results of their collaborative Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. During a ceremony hosted by the Maine Credit Union League, the Campaign reported raising $1,496,116.71 in food and monetary donations through its most recent fundraising year. The total represents a new milestone for the Campaign, which marked its 35th year of fighting hunger in communities across Maine in 2025.
“Behind every dollar raised is a neighbor, a family, or a child who needs reliable access to food,” said Elise Baldacci, president of the Maine Credit Union League. “For 35 years, Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has shown what’s possible when credit unions work together for the greater good. These results reflect the deep compassion and community leadership credit unions bring to strengthening communities and supporting the organizations on the front lines of hunger relief across Maine.”
At the beginning of 2025, credit unions set a goal of raising $1.35 million in honor of the Campaign’s 35th year fighting hunger — and surpassed it together. That shared success enabled the Campaign to support 298 organizations statewide, reinforcing the vital hunger-relief work taking place in Maine communities.
“During a year of uncertainty — marked by funding cuts and a government shutdown—credit unions stepped up quickly and decisively,” said Jen Burke, vice president of outreach & strategic initiatives at the Maine Credit Union League. “Their commitment to addressing hunger in their communities never wavered. In fact, their resolve was strengthened by the growing need and their shared desire to put the credit union People Helping People philosophy into action.”
The event featured remarks from Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank, who provided a timely update on the organization’s efforts to ensure access to food for Mainers facing hunger. University of Maine students in attendance also offered details about their upcoming April Maine Day Meal Pack Out and ways credit unions can support UMaine’s efforts to address food insecurity. The Campaign for Ending Hunger presented the University of Maine Foundation with a $5,000 donation to support the Meal Pack Out event.
“Since the Campaign’s founding in 1990, Maine credit unions have contributed more than $16.3 million to support hunger-relief efforts across the state,” added Baldacci. “As fundraising efforts continue into 2026, credit unions remain committed to building on this momentum — working alongside community partners, responding to emerging needs and ensuring this long-standing effort to end hunger in Maine grows even stronger in the year ahead.”
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to the Campaign are tax-deductible. Funds raised by the Campaign remain in Maine, supporting local organizations such as food banks, pantries, schools, colleges and meal sites. You do not need to be a member of a local credit union to donate to the Campaign.
