WINSLOW, Maine — Recent studies regarding food insecurity in Maine are echoing what several food pantries are experiencing as rising food prices continue.
Released every year by Feeding America, the "Map the Food Gap" study estimates local insecurity and food costs throughout the United States.
New data released for the year 2022 shows that in Maine, an estimated 179,680 people experienced food insecurity, which is a 25 percent increase from 2021.
Food banks around Maine like the Winslow Community Cupboard say the need in the Waterville and Winslow area are reflecting that need.
"[We're] very busy. We're doing about 50 cars an hour," director Bruce Bottiglierie said. "We still have a line going down the road where we're straight out until noon when we close."
Right now, the cupboard's open hours are during the first and third Thursday of the month. The cupboard feeds more than 200 families in the area, with plans to expand to several other towns like Rome and Dexter.
With the new information, Good Shepherd Food Bank President Heather Paquette says while the increase in food insecurity is alarming it's not unexpected.
"The numbers that we've been operating off of were that 144,000 Mainers were experiencing food insecurity," Paquette said. "Our new numbers show what we've been feeling all along, and what we've been hearing from our partners."
Now, Paquette said those updated stats will further strengthen the nonprofit distribution center's efforts to reverse a growing trend.
"We have the right players in place, now we have the data and we know what we need to do, and now we need to go do it," Paquette said.
