BOWDOINHAM, Maine — The Bowdoinham Food Pantry is trying something new this holiday season to inspire connectivity and inclusivity, share warm food and drink, and help fund the needs of its community with a "pop-up café."
Food pantry director Jennifer Stonebraker said this is the first time the pantry has attempted anything like this. She said if it's a success it will become a permanent addition to the Bowdoinham community.
Open every Friday in December from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., guests can enjoy local pastries and Wicked Joe's organic coffee for a small donation and can purchase fresh specialty croissants donated by Counterpoint Bread.
"Last week was our kickoff, and within a two-hour window, we served nearly 80 community members," Stonebraker said.
Rep. Sally Cluchey was assisting at the cafe's kickoff last Friday and said volunteers raised $400, which will go directly to the Bowdoinham Food Pantry.
Each month, the food pantry helps feed dozens of families in the community. In October alone, the food pantry served 126 adults and 47 children, according to its website.
Of course, money is a blessing, but Stonebraker said the café is about so much more than raising money. She said it's about creating a warm and inviting community space.
"There is a Danish word, hygge. It refers to the coziness and conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. With the dark months upon us, we are hoping to create a gathering space for the community, building with hygge at the core," Stonebraker said.
"People in general are craving connection and companionship, and in these cold weather months our town doesn’t have an easy place for communing," Cluchey said. "Breaking Bread in Bowdoinham is an experiment aimed to meet multiple needs for multiple demographics within our community, centered around providing delicious food and drink."
Cluchey said when people walked into the café their "faces lit up."
"I think a lot of people were shocked at how beautiful and inviting we could make that space. Although some folks popped in only briefly before school drop-off, grabbing a coffee or a hot chocolate for their kid and their croissants to go, a lot of people stayed," Cluchey said. "We saw folks from all different parts of the community enjoying the environment and the company of others."
The pop-up café is located at 9 Main Street in Bowdoinham, adjacent to Watersong Music Studio.
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