November 24, 2009 On Monday, November 23, Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger, in partnership with Good Shepherd Food-Bank, celebrated the fourth anniversary of Maine's first and only "Food Mobile," to eastern and northern Maine. In its first four years, the truck has distributed over one million pounds of food to pantries in every Maine county. The ceremony was held at Good Shepherd's Northern and Eastern Maine Distribution Center in Brewer. In addition to celebrating the Food Mobile, Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger, presented a check for $1,600 to Good Shepherd Food Bank that enabled nearly 300 turkeys to be purchased for food pantries across Maine to distribute to needy families. The contribution marks the fourth consecutive year that Maine's credit unions have contributed significant funds to help Good Shepherd provide turkeys to food pantries. This year's contribution was the largest ever and the 256 turkeys the contribution purchased was also a record.
"Maine's credit unions are proud to be a leader in ensuring that Maine's hungry are not overlooked this holiday season, at a time when more families are facing difficult times financially. Thanks to the generosity of Maine's credit unions and the 600,000 members, the community spirit of helping others, especially at the holidays, not only lives on but increases each year," explained Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League.
Rick Small, Executive Director of Good Shepherd Food Bank, said, "We are thankful for the partnership and support of Maine's credit unions. Unfortunately, recent statistics show the demand for assistance and the number of Mainers who are hungry is rising but we are fortunate for this contribution from Maine's credit unions and the other contributions Maine's credit unions not only make to us but hundreds of food pantries each year. Credit unions are truly amazing for what they do to help the thousands of Maine people who would otherwise go hungry without their efforts."
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $3.1 million to help end hunger in Maine.
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