 Greetings!
For the past five and a half years, I have had the distinct pleasure of being executive director, and then president and chief executive officer of Good Shepherd Food Bank (I never did get used to president and CEO). Last month I informed the board of directors that I will be stepping down from my position on December 31.
I can't tell you how difficult it is to do so. Like most of you, I pour my heart and soul into my work, especially when that work is a response to the call of God. However, it's time to move on to the next challenge in my career. I know I am leaving the Food Bank in very capable hands thanks to the incredible Mainers who bring this mission to life.
We've done some important work together - the staff and I, and all of you who give to Good Shepherd Food Bank or who spend time feeding and caring for your neighbors who face some of the hardest realities of life.
More hungry Mainers are being fed than any time in history - of course that is tempered by the unthinkable number of people in need of help. Good Shepherd Food Bank is in a position to make an even greater impact on that number.
And that is what is most important about this, my last message to you: only when we work together can we win this battle. God bless you, and thanks for the privilege, Rick Small
President & CEO
Good Shepherd Food Bank
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Virtual Food Drive Kicks Off With Gift From Hannaford Supermarkets
The time has come for the Food Bank's annual Virtual Food Drive, and we need the community's help this year more than ever before. With record numbers of Mainers facing hunger - more than 200,000 individuals, including 1 in 4 children - we need to raise crucial funds to provide food throughout the state.
Hannaford Supermarkets has generously launched the Virtual Food Drive with a $50,000 gift. Now we are asking everyone else - businesses and individuals - to come forward and do their part in the fight against hunger.
We have set a goal of raising $200,000 in this year's Virtual Food Drive. With $200,000, the Food Bank will be able to distribute over half a million meals to Mainers who are struggling to make ends meet this winter.
Please help us provide meals for thousands of Maine families during the long winter ahead. Make your donation today!
If your business would like more information about becoming a corporate partner in the Virtual Food Drive, please contact Christine Force at (207) 782-3554 ext. 1124.
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Youth Program Area Expands to Combat Child Hunger
On October 20, Good Shepherd Food Bank announced the launch of Maine's first Kids Cafe at Westbrook's Mission Possible Teen Center. While Mission Possible will host the pilot Kids Cafe program, the Food Bank's goal is to create a model that can be replicated throughout the state.
In addition to serving nutritious meals every day after school - a time when food is often unavailable to food insecure children - Kids Cafes ensure children have a safe space in which they can do homework, learn about nutrition and healthy life choices, and interact with other kids.
Nationwide, Kids Cafes are serving over 122,000 children healthy meals every day after school. We are thrilled to bring this successful national program to Maine.
The Kids Cafe program at Mission Possible Teen Center is made possible through the generosity of Shaw's Supermarkets. For more information, please contact Shannon Coffin, Program Manager, at 207.782.3554 ext. 1163.
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GSFB Provides 10,000 Thanksgiving Turkeys
This year, Good Shepherd Food Bank once again purchased and distributed 10,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to our partner agencies throughout the state. Together with our partner food pantries and soup kitchens, we are committed to helping Mainers enjoy a holiday meal this Thanksgiving.
While providing 10,000 turkeys is no small feat, it is not enough to meet the growing need. Hunger in Maine has reached record levels, and communities across the state will need to come together to help their neighbors this holiday season.
Visit our Food Map to find your local hunger relief organization, then reach out and see how you can help your neighbors. |
| Community Partners:
Thank You for Helping us Feed Maine's Hungry
Thank you to 8-year old Mya, who gave up her birthday gifts this year and instead asked her friends to bring food donations to her birthday party. She brought us the equivalent of 68 meals to help feed her neighbors who are struggling.  Thank you to People's United Community Foundation for the recent gift of $10,000. This donation will go toward supporting Food Mobiles in the Auburn and Bangor regions. |
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Did you know?
1 in 4 Maine children live at risk of hunger every day.
Make a donation today to help the Food Bank ensure proper nutrition for thousands of Maine children.
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In Brief: Events, Campaigns, and the Latest Research
Stuff the Truck
The Food Bank's annual food drive to stock the shelves for winter is coming up on Saturday, November 19 from 9 am - 3 pm. Find more information about Stuff the Truck and other upcoming event on our Events page.
MPBN Feed Your TV, Feed a Family Campaign
We are once again partnering with Maine Public Broadcasting Network and the Maine Community Foundation to raise funds for hunger relief. The Feed Your TV, Feed a Family campaign will take place from Nov. 26 - Dec. 11. For each pledge MPBN receives during their TV membership drive, the donors of the Maine Community Foundation will make a gift to Good Shepherd Food Bank.
Volunteer Bakers Needed
A Food Bank supporter is organizing two pop-up bake sales in Portland and Rockland and needs volunteers to offer up delicious creations for the events. If you're interested in using your baking skills to help fight child hunger, contact Sharon at (207) 542-3723 or kitchens.sharon@gmail.com.
Recent Research
USDA Annual Survey - Household Food Insecurity in the United States
U.S. Census Bureau - Poverty in the United States 2009 & 2010
U.S. Census Bureau - Supplemental Poverty Measure
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Food Drive Opportunity for Schools
ConAgra Foods is partnering with Feeding America, Schools Fight Hunger, and thousands of schools across the country to engage them in the fight against hunger this holiday season.
ConAgra provides schools with tools to sponsor holiday food drives and UPC collection programs. Ask your school PTO leaders or principal to visit www.ChildHungerEndsHere.com /schools to request a free kit.
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