FREEPORT, Maine — In the wake of consecutive storms wreaking havoc across Maine, food pantries are facing significant challenges, grappling with increased demand and limited resources due to power outages.
Freeport Community Services, an organization that typically serves 80 to 100 families a week, finds itself inundated with requests for assistance during stormy weather.
"We have seen an increase in both people in the pantry and people just seeking general assistance," Susan Adams, the food pantry manager at Freeport Community Services, said.
Despite Freeport Food Pantry avoiding power loss, several grocery stores, and vital donors to the pantry were not as fortunate.
"Several of the grocery stores that donate to us did lose power," Adams said.
He said this severely impacted donations received.
"We basically had no produce whatsoever from the big grocery store chains...where normally our racks are usually well-stocked on Mondays with produce," Adams added.
The Kennebec County Salvation Army Food Bank echoed similar sentiments, reporting a 20% surge in the number of people seeking help.
"We've recognized that we have new individuals that we typically have not seen over the last few weeks. They lost their frozen and refrigerated foods. They weren't able to go out and buy those and spend money to replace those things," Captain Keith David, commanding officer of the Salvation Army Augusta Capital Region Corps, said.
However, amidst the adversity, there's a glimmer of resilience within communities. In Freeport, locals expressed gratitude for whatever assistance is available.
"Oh my heart, I am so happy to feed my husband this steak," one resident exclaimed.
Until the grocery stores replenish their stocks, food pantries like Freeport Community Services are tirelessly working to support their neighbors in need.