It’s a troubling statistic—especially as Thanksgiving nears: As you read these words, more than 180,000 Mainers are struggling to put food on the table. In fact, food insecurity in Maine has become such a serious problem that it now impacts 1 in 5 Maine children. How can Freemasons in central and southern Maine put our humanitarian values to work and help battle food insecurity? Here are a few high-impact strategies to consider:
Make a Financial Donation
First, let’s start by defining a couple of terms: “food bank” and “food pantry.” While these terms are often used interchangeably, there actually is a difference between the two. A food bank is a central warehouse that collects and stores large quantities of food for people experiencing food insecurity, then distributes it to local agencies such as food pantries. The food pantry is the local, community-based site that receives food from a food bank and gives it directly to individuals and families in need.
What does this mean for Freemasons in Maine? Basically, we have two donation options—both of which will be immensely helpful and appreciated. We can donate to Good Shepherd Food Bank, based in Auburn, which works with nearly 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other food-assistance programs throughout Maine. Or we can donate directly to one of Good Shepherd’s partner food pantries, such as the Preble Street Food Pantry, Food for All, and Stroudwater Food Pantry.
Support and/or Organize a Fundraising Event
Federal assistance cuts have put a strain on food banks such as Good Shepherd and on its networks of food pantry distribution sites across Maine. This means Good Shepherd and Maine food pantries have to engage in constant fundraising throughout the year—everything from telethons to yard sales to benefit concerts.
To support these events, ask to be added to the food bank’s/food pantry’s email list and connect with their Facebook page and other social media. Then invite family and friends to attend the fundraiser with you.
Or you can even organize your own fundraiser. Good Shepherd is always looking for folks interested in holding a fundraising event to benefit the food bank. (See their website for details.) Or host your own concert, comedy night, yard sale, bake sale, car wash, etc., to raise much-needed, much-appreciated funds.
Become a Volunteer
Good Shepherd Food Bank and its myriad food pantries are always looking for individuals or groups to help sort, pack, and distribute food to people facing hunger in our community. In addition, the food pantries might be looking for volunteer drivers, folks to load farm-to-food pantry trailers, or even volunteers to handle PR and/or email or social media marketing for upcoming fundraisers. Ask yourself, “What skill-set do I have that could help my local food pantry?” Then reach out to your local food-pantry director to see what you could offer that would be most helpful.
Join Our Current Effort: The Valley of Portland Food Drive
Freemasons across Maine are already taking action to fight food insecurity this season. The Scottish Rite Valley of Portland is currently hosting a Food Drive in support of the Wayside Food Pantry—and it’s been extended through December 19. Members and visitors are encouraged to drop off unexpired, non-perishable food items or make a cash donation to help families in need during the holidays.
Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Are you interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.
New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.
