Food fuels more than just our bodies; it nourishes our spirits. Yet, in the U.S., access to nutritious food is not equal. Food insecurity is a real challenge that many face, often right in our neighborhoods.
I grew up in a home that relied on food assistance and community support. My mom worked tirelessly as a single parent. Despite her efforts, there were times when it was tough. I remember how much I appreciated the food we had and the roof over our heads. Those experiences made me realize how fragile financial stability can be. I still keep a food stamp as a reminder of those difficult times.
Food insecurity can touch anyone. We are all just one unexpected expense or life change away from needing help. Recent statistics show that over 1 in 5 Americans have no emergency savings. In Maine, about 14% of residents—around 192,000 people—deal with food insecurity. This includes one in five children; the highest rate in New England, according to Feeding America.
In York County, the numbers reflect this urgency. More than 26,000 people, including over 7,000 children, struggle with hunger. This situation should not exist in our community.
It’s crucial for government to step in. Providing basic needs like food is a moral obligation, especially in a country with so many resources.
When I learned that the York County Shelters Program was closing its food pantry, I knew we had to act. The pantry served many residents across York County. Without it, people would go hungry, especially in rural areas where food resources are already scarce.
I advocated for the county to take over the food pantry. My fellow commissioners agreed, and within a month, we stepped in to run it. It’s rare for local government to respond this quickly, but we did just that.
We first allocated $25,000 to prevent the immediate closure. Then, we approved an additional $100,000 for ongoing operations. The county budget committee debated but ultimately supported our efforts.
We hired a food pantry coordinator and partnered with Good Shepherd Food Bank. This allowed us to accept private donations and grants, reducing food waste by collaborating with local grocery stores.
Our First County Food Pantry is located in Alfred and is open on Tuesdays and Fridays. We also host special holiday distributions around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Saving this pantry highlights the power of local leadership and community values. It’s vital to ensure everyone has access to food. For more information about supporting the pantry, visit York County Foundation.
Food insecurity is not just a statistic; it’s a reality for many. By working together, we can create a community where no one goes hungry.
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York County food pantry, Justin Chenette, food insecurity Maine
