Community-Driven Strategies to End Hunger Initiative

Purpose: Work with local communities to identify and invest in solutions to each area's unique food access challenges. The program engages regional stakeholders to develop strategies to close the meal gap in local areas.

Geographic Scope: Maine - focuses on 2-3 of Maine's 27 regions each year (based on former Healthy Maine Partnerships' territories)

Program Structure:

• Local experts and community stakeholders collaborate with Good Shepherd Food Bank
• Communities identify and propose solutions to ending hunger
• Food Bank invests in selected strategies

Previous and Current Cohorts:

• Completed: Lewiston, Portland Suburbs, Northern Penobscot, Washington County, Lincoln County, Northern Kennebec County, Somerset County
• In Progress: Piscataquis County, Biddeford area

Example Projects Funded (Somerset County Cohort):

• Common Unity Place: Sustain and strengthen ability to provide free nutritious meals (Sept 2022-May 2023)
• Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets: Increase households participating in Maine Harvest Bucks program
• SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope): Increase outreach to seniors, enrollment, and volunteer recruitment
• Skowhegan Backpack Program: Expand school pantry and backpack program storage facility

Contact Information:

• Phone: (207) 782-3554
• Website: www.FeedingMaine.org/programs/community-driven-strategies
• Auburn: 3121 Hotel Road, P.O. Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211
• Hampden: 11 Penobscot Meadow Dr, Hampden, ME 04444