Good Shepherd Food Bank issues Capacity Building Grants to partner agency network

AUBURN — The Good Shepherd Food Bank recently announced the recipients of its Capacity Building Grant program. Getting the right food to the right people at the right time is one of the greatest hurdles to achieving the Food Bank’s mission. Investments in capacity enable our partner network to not only meet the needs of their community, but to transform food access to a model that prioritizes people’s health, provides affirming and supportive experiences, connects people to their community and other resources, and supports personal growth for long-term food security.

Grants went to eight partner agencies in Piscataquis County and to 49 partner agencies in Penobscot County.

“Our partner network is delivering so much more than food,” stated Kristen Miale, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “They’re the reassuring smile, a quick check-in to see how someone is doing, an affirmation that someone cares. It can never be said enough — the Food Bank could not do this work without our partners. Through their amazing dedication and hard work, 15.3 million meals have been distributed to Mainers struggling with hunger. That’s a 34 percent increase over the same time last year, which was pre-pandemic.” 

All grantees are located in Maine and every active partner received a grant from the Food Bank. In total, Good Shepherd Food Bank invested $1.5 million into 417 of its partners throughout the state:

— $1 million was distributed to 276 food pantries, meal sites, and shelter programs; 

— $123,370 was distributed to 31 health care partners; and

— $280,000 was distributed to 110 school programs and afterschool partners.

Grant awards were determined based on the number of families/individuals served and their program types. Awards ranged from $500 to $20,230, with an average grant amount of $3,570. 

For the full network partner agency list, please visit our Find Food Map. For more information, please visit www.feedingmaine.org.