This time of year always makes me think about how grateful I am for my incredible family, friends, doing what I love, and our special community. Maine is a place of natural abundance, and Mainers are naturally giving. There are few places to see the generosity of Mainers more than through the Good Shepherd Food Bank. The food bank feeds more than 180,000 neighbors in need – 30 percent of whom are children.

While Good Shepherd aims to end hunger in our state by 2025, there’s no doubt that food insecurity is an issue for many of our residents. Through innovative programs and the support of many generous donors and volunteers, the food bank provides broad access to nutritious and culturally relevant food, an important commitment to recognizing the needs of our diverse immigrant communities. One of my favorite Good Shepherd programs is Mainers Feeding Mainers, where individuals and businesses involved in agriculture and aquaculture offer locally-harvested food to those in need. This initiative in particular reflects the bounty of our state and the beauty of our state’s giving culture.

Learn more about Good Shepherd here and how a gift of $10 can help provide 20 meals.