United Way of Southern Maine (UWSM) announced the community donated over 21,500 meals to fight hunger across Southern Maine during its annual campaign kickoff event, United We CAN Food Drive & Sculpture Contest on Friday, September 16. The following organizations organized drives and collections in support of the food drive:
- Baker Newman Noyes
- Bangor Savings Bank
- Bernstein Shur
- BerryDunn
- CCB, Inc.
- Dead River Company
- Hannaford/RBS
- IDEXX
- Kennebunk Savings
- L.L.Bean
- MaineHealth
- Martin’s Point Health Care
- NBT Bank
- Northeast Hearing and Speech
- Norway Savings Bank
- RTS Packaging
- Saco & Biddeford Savings
- Unum
- WEX Inc.
- Wright-Ryan Construction
- Wyman’s
- Zachau Construction
The demand for food from Maine food banks is rising along with inflation, and food pantries are reporting more people using the pantries to help make ends meet. The food collected will help fill the shelves at pantries and partners across Southern Maine through Wayside Food Programs and Youth Full Maine.
“The event was beyond anything we imagined,” said Katie Brown, Executive Director, Youth Full Maine. “We are so grateful to the community. The scope and impact were astounding and will make a difference for so many in our community.”
And the coveted awards for the CANstruction contest go out to the following organizations:
- Most Hopeful: Hannaford/RBS
- Small + Mighty Award: RTS Packaging
- Rookie Award: Bangor Savings Bank
- Best Meal Award: MaineHealth
- Best in Show: CCB, Inc.
- Community Choice: L.L.Bean
About United Way of Southern Maine
UWSM brings people and resources together to improve lives, creating a brighter future for children, individuals, and families. Uniquely positioned at the center of our community, UWSM actively seeks to engage partners, donors, advocates, and volunteers to create measurable long-lasting change in the areas of education, financial stability, and health. Everyone has a role to play in the recovery and rebuilding of a thriving community. Learn more at uwsme.org.
