Contributed Story
As hunger relief organizations report an increase in demand heading into the winter months, Hannaford Supermarkets is partnering with Youth Full Maine and Wayside Food Programs to provide a critical boost to food access programs this holiday season, according to a company press release.
Dozens of Hannaford associates joined non-profit leaders and volunteers at two events over the past week to pack and distribute 1,000 meal boxes filled with fresh, nutritious and high-quality food for individuals and families across southern Maine.
In addition to donating more than 20,000 pounds of food, including produce and pantry staples, Hannaford invested $20,000 to bolster Youth Full Maine and Wayside’s efforts to expand food access this holiday season.
“The holiday season is a time to reflect on the importance of community, and we take our responsibility to care for our communities very seriously,” said Sherri Stevens, Community Impact Manager for Hannaford Supermarkets. “Ensuring everyone has access to fresh, quality food is one of the simplest ways we can nourish our neighbors. We thank Youth Full Maine and Wayside Food Programs for their partnership in fighting hunger in our communities – both during the holiday season and throughout the year.”
Based in Biddeford and serving families throughout York County, Youth Full Maine manages school food pantries and conducts community-wide free food mobile distributions each month.
The organization will host numerous food distribution events this holiday season and will distribute holiday meal boxes to families through school-based pantries.
“We’re grateful to our partners at Hannaford Supermarkets who understand the importance of making sure all Mainers can access food this holiday season,” said Katie Brown, Executive Director of Youth Full Maine. “Throughout the year, Hannaford helps Youth Full Maine get nourishing foods to people of all ages who don’t get enough to eat, from seniors living alone to families with kids who are struggling to make ends meet.”
Hannaford has invested more than $1.8 million in food security programs in its communities over the past year. In 2024, Hannaford donated more than 27.6 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations – the equivalent of 23 million meals – and is on track to meet the same amount this year.
For more information about Youth Full Maine, visit www.YouthFullME.org
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