YORK, Maine — The escalating cost of food in recent years has posed significant challenges for many families in Maine, making it increasingly difficult to put a nutritious meal on the table.
This Thanksgiving week, the York County Shelter Program Food Pantry is taking a proactive step to address this issue by distributing bags of food items, including a turkey, that can feed a family of four during the holiday season.
The York County Shelter Program Food Pantry aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and spread the joy of the season.
Mike Oulette, the food pantry coordinator, said, "We don't ask for proof of income or residency. As long as you need food, you can come get a box."
The food pantry ensures that anyone in the state can receive groceries conveniently delivered to their vehicles in a drive-thru format.
The simplicity of the process is reflected in the only two questions asked: "Where are you from?" and "How many are in your family?"
"It has unfortunately grown more than we would like to see," Moe Auger, a volunteer for eight years, said. "You can see it in the families themselves. It's a big deal for them, and most of them are really grateful to have this."
Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the food drive, spending their day bagging items to distribute to community members.
"People are having a hard time, people with families, so we do our best," Rachel Paquet, a volunteer for 20 years, said. "That's why I'm here all the time."
The York County Shelter Program's Food Pantry has set a goal to feed 900 families this Thanksgiving.
The food drive continues from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to Thanksgiving.