Maine credit unions raise record amount to fight hunger

Credit unions doubled their efforts during the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger’s annual $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge in October, raising more than twice the goal amount.  This fundraising success came in a month of heightened need during the government shutdown and accompanying impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Credit unions raised $238,217 for community food pantries, meal sites, and other hunger relief organizations.

“The philosophy of ‘people helping people’ is core to the credit union movement, and I’m honestly not surprised that Maine’s credit unions knocked their fundraising goal out of the park,” shared Elise Baldacci, president of the Maine Credit Union League. “We know many people in our local communities are struggling financially, and our hunger relief partners need our help to keep up with the growing demand for food assistance. I am so proud of what we accomplished in just a short period of time. The campaign, now in its 35th year, raises funds year-round, but this effort gives our fundraising an incredible boost as we head into the holiday season.”

The challenge donated 25% of all online proceeds generated in October directly to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, delivering nearly $36,000 in financial impact.

“We are incredibly grateful for Maine Credit Unions’ long-time commitment to fighting hunger in our state,” said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. 

A full list of Challenge contributors is available on the Campaign’s website, which also accepts online donations year-round in support of its mission to end hunger in Maine.

Learn about the Campaign for Ending Hunger