The United Way of Mid-Maine will host a “Start the Summer & End the Hunger” Food Drive Friday, June 21, in Waterville, Skowhegan and Bingham.

Community members are asked to bring non-perishable, healthful food items between 8 a.m. and noon to Elm City Plaza parking lot in Waterville, the Fairgrounds Marketplace parking lot — between Wal-Mart and Hannaford — in Skowhegan, or Jimmy’s Market parking lot in Bingham.

Organization volunteers will be at each location to collect and sort the donated food. All food collected will go to more than 20 local food banks from Belgrade to Unity to Solon. Each year, United Ways across the county coordinate a “Day of Action” on Friday, June 21, the longest day of the year.

Community members can help in the following ways:

* Donate non-perishable, healthful food items at one of United Way of Mid-Maine’s drop-off locations. Items specifically for people who have diabetes are needed. Hygiene products and other personal care items are helpful.

* Host a food drive at place of business prior to the Day of Action. Bring collected items to volunteers on June 21.

* Donate directly to a local food bank. For a list of local food banks, contact United Way of Mid-Maine or visit 211Maine.org.

Promotional materials including ideas for healthful donations and localized posters for each drop-off site are available by contacting United Way of Mid-Maine at 873-0686 or tchapman@unitedwaymidme.org.