Roughly 200 years after the United States declared it's independence, seven Bangor churches put aside differences of theology, religious practice and implementation to come together with a unified mission feed the poor and hungry citizins of Bangor. Out of a little green metal cupboard, emergency bags of food were disbursed on an as needed basis from the Hammond Street Congregational Church. That congregation, and those of First United Methodist, Grace Methodist, First Baptist, Unitarian Universalist' alongside the parishes of St. Mary's and St. John's ensured that the metal cupboard was fully stocked at all times.
Over time, in response to the need, the undertaking was moved to a basement room, acessed by Hammond Street Congo's High Street entance. Instead of waiting until people were experiencing a food emergency, they began allowing access every six-weeks. Over the years, each time expansion was needed, Ecumenical Food Cupboard responded proactively and with the same determination they showed back in the '70's. Today, the operation is thriving. Open three mornings a week, our customers come through our doors in an every other week rotation.
Each week we provide a Farmer's Market styled array of fresh fruit and produce. In partnership with Good Shepard Food Bank, we bring in two to four truckloads on Monday's and Friday's. On Wednesday's during the Spring, Summer and Fall, local farmers and gleaners supplement our offerings with fresh, hand-picked, organic product.
Ecumenical Food Cupboard is run by Executive Director, Doug Cushman. We are overseen by a Board of Directors, some of whom have been with us since the first days. Dedicated volunteers from the church communities work with the staples, food product, fruit and produce and meat every week.
We strive to create a warm, personalized experience for everyone that walks through the doors.
For over 40 years, those seven churches have been able to harness the collective power of their individual communities in order to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of roughly 260 families a month.
Feeding Bangor is committed to knocking down the access barriers our community members face when accessing the resources needed to end their own food insecurity issues. We will do this:
~ through public awareness geared toward the issue of food insecurity. By putting real faces to the issue we can change perceptions and end the stigma associated with not having enough financial resources to provide basic needs like food;
~by providing a barrier free, socio-economic class friendly food distribution site available during days and hours that meet the public's needs;
~through working collaboratively with organizations and businesses in the public and private sector to design multiple solutions and distribution channels that work to end food security issues.
~and above all, by listening and responding with action, to the food access support needs identified by those affected by food insecurity.
~ Transportation to food distribution sites across the City of Bangor
~ Delivery or pick-up at food distribution sites across the City of Bangor
COMING SOON:
Barrier free, socio-economic class friendly Food Distribution Site serving those who live, work, got to school, or obtain health services from a Bangor based organization.
COMING SOON
Commodity Food Distribution for Seniors
