📰YORK COUNTY | Regional Food Pantry Open To All

Regional Food Pantry Open To All

By York County Commissioner Justin Chenette

No one in York County should go hungry. We have a moral obligation to help our neighbors in need. It’s why over the summer, the York County Commission acted decisively, voting unanimously to assume operation of the York County Food Pantry. 

We faced a crisis when the nonprofit that was running our regional food pantry announced its immediate closure due to severe financial distress. The commission worked to keep the doors open temporarily by allocating $25,000 in emergency contingency funding and later approving a $100,000 budget request for continued, long-term operations. 

This pantry is a vital lifeline, serving over 3,000 Mainers monthly, including more than 500 children, in partnership with the Good Shepherd Food Bank. Individuals come from every corner of our county, particularly in rural areas where access to food support is scarce. Consistent access to nutritious food has a direct impact on all aspects of life. If you can’t put food on your family’s table, nothing else matters. 

Given the uncertainty with SNAP benefits at the federal level, the high cost of groceries, and the increased need for food access locally, our regional pantry is now open to anyone, regardless of income or geographic location. Come as you are. No judgement.

Our newly named First County Food Pantry is located at 5 Swetts Bridge Road in Alfred, around the corner from our county admin building and county jail. It is open on Tuesdays and Fridays, from Noon to 3 PM. 

Together, we must ensure the most vulnerable among us are not forgotten. We could all use a hand-up sometimes. Monetary and food donations are being accepted through our county’s charitable arm, the First County Foundation. Information can be found here: https://yorkcountyfcf.org. 

York County Commissioner Justin Chenette represents Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis, and Buxton and is a former state senator. He can be reached at jchenette@yorkcountymaine.gov and you can sign up for county updates at https://www.CommissionerChenette.com.