In Brunswick, Maine, Don Weafer and his wife have dedicated eight years to volunteering at the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. They focus on one thing: the people in their community.
Weafer and a group of volunteers work hard to ensure that thousands of Mainers have enough food to eat. “Serving this community enriches us. Our lives are so much richer because of it,” he says.
This year has been a record one for food distribution. The Hunger Prevention Program delivered over 1.2 million meals to families, a staggering 48% increase in demand from the previous year. “We’ve never given out this much food before,” Executive Director Hannah Chatalbash explains. Volunteers have been busy collecting and sorting donated food from local grocery stores.
Chatalbash acknowledges the mixed feelings about the increased need. “I’m proud to work with an organization that meets this rising demand. But it’s a stark reminder that many people in our community are struggling,” she shares.
The program relies heavily on donations from local grocers and the community, distributing food to pantries, soup kitchens, schools, and more. Volunteer Laurel Walsh highlights the tough choices many face: “People are deciding between fuel and food. Programs like ours help ease that burden.”
For Weafer, volunteering is a true passion. “These are my best friends, and this is one of my favorite places,” he says, reflecting the deep connections built through their shared mission.
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Food insecurity,Mid Coast Hunger Prevention,Volunteers,Brunswick,Meals,Community,Donations,Food pantries
