(NEWS CENTER Maine) -- So far, you've contributed $160,000 for Maine families facing hunger through our Feed Maine campaign. You may have donated and wondered, 'How does the Good Shepherd Food Bank use that money to make a difference?'
Through partnerships with large companies and local farmers, Good Shepherd can provide food to pantries in your community for a fraction of what it would cost in a store. NEWS CENTER Maine's Jessica Gagne rode along with a truck driver to see just how far your dollar is going to help a neighbor in need.
Through sunshine and winter storms, Mike Hinkley moves from town to town, up and down, delivering pallets of provisions to volunteers from local pantries.
"We probably do a pick up every week, and we average about 3,000 pounds a pick up, and at 16 cents a pound, it's quite a deal," says John White of Saco, who picks up from Hinkley on Mondays/
Fresh food for pennies on the dollar. That's why more than 400 community organizations statewide partner with the Good Shepherd Food Bank, and that's what keeps full time drivers like Hinkley busy year-round. As soon as one delivery is done, it's time to hit the road and head to another drop off.
"I enjoy the job and just being able to be out here and knowing that I am helping people at the same time," say Hinkley. "It is very gratifying."
Knowing a reliable delivery is on the way helps those who work directly with Mainers in need.
"It's a lot easier for us," says Paul Goyette, a volunteer in the Wells-Ogunquit area. "We don't have to go out looking for it or soliciting it from other people."
The food is always there, and so is the Good Shepherd staff, should anyone ever need a hand.
"There is a lot that they do besides distributing food," says Goyette. "They give us training on food handling and how to get along with the public and how to take care of the public and make sure everyone is treated equally."
A little compassion goes a long way, and so does a Good Shepherd truck, rolling on to the next stop until no one in our state is hungry.
Find out more about Feed Maine at feedmaine.com