Summer should be a time of fun in the sun for children; but it’s not for many! School has ended and the access to at least one full meal, sometimes two a day, is gone. Summer is a time when working parents, especially single parents, have to manage increased child care needs/expenses and an increased call for a full refrigerator. However, for many people who are having a hard time making ends meet during the school year, in the summer it becomes impossible to achieve. At St. Mary’s Food Pantry we see moms walk in with all of their children at this time of year. Grandparents begin to appear looking for food for their grandchildren. St. Mary’s, with the support of church groups, businesses/corporations and many community volunteers, tries to keep the pantry shelves full but the challenge is becoming harder and harder to meet. In the last year the increased cost of food coupled with a still somewhat stagnant economy has resulted in less food distributed to an ever growing group of people in need. Each year the dollars the pantry receives from the Annual Hearts United Employee Campaign gives the pantry the boost it needs to help make it through another year. Thank you to all. We couldn’t do it without you!
Joyce Gagnon
St. Mary’s Food Pantry Manager
Our employees give generously to this program through our annual St. Mary’s Hearts United Campaign, but the need is still great. To make a contribution, click here. Thank you!
Tags: childhood hunger, food pantry, hearts united, pantry shelves, St. Mary's, St. Mary's Health System, St. Mary's Nutrition Center of Maine
