AUBURN — Good Shepherd Food Bank has announced the recipients of its Capacity Building Grant program. Investments in capacity enable the 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.

In total, Good Shepherd Food Bank invested $1.5 million into 417 partners throughout the state: $1 million was distributed to 276 food pantries, meal sites and shelter programs; $123,370 to 31 health care partners; and  $280,000 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. All grantees are located in Maine and every active partner received a grant from the food bank.

“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% increase over the same time last year, which was pre-pandemic.”

Grants were awarded to the following counties: Androscoggin, 47 partners; Cumberland, 48; Franklin, 10; Kennebec, 40; Oxford, 29;  Sagadahoc, six; and Somerset, 25.

Visit feedingmaine.org for more information.

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