Dear Friend,

As the Executive Director of Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, I am reaching out to share some important news that will directly impact the individuals and families we serve.

As you may be aware, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a critical resource for our food pantry, providing essential support for those facing food insecurity. Historically MCHPP has received 10,000-14,000 pounds of food per month for free from the federal government through TEFAP. Unfortunately, the current administration has decided to pause the program minimally for quarter two of this year, which will significantly reduce the amount of food we receive during that period. 

These cuts come at a time when the need for food assistance is very high. More families and individuals are struggling with rising costs, wage stagnation, and other challenges, and many rely on the pantry to make ends meet. The first quarter of 2025 marked the busiest three month period for our pantry in the 40+ year history of the organization. With less support from TEFAP, we will need to explore alternative resources and creative solutions to continue serving those in need, but we also face the difficult reality that we may not be able to provide the same quantity and variety of food as we have in the past.

We know that this is only one of a multitude of challenges facing our communities at this time, and that there will be more to come. We want to be transparent with you about these challenges because, as always, our mission remains centered on helping those who are struggling in our community. We know that in times of crisis, our collective strength is more important than ever, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bridge this gap.

Here are a few ways you can help during this critical time:

Volunteers preparing delicious roasted vegetables for our soup kitchen

Donate
Any financial or food donations will directly support our ability to stock our pantry and continue to meet the needs of those who come to us for help.

Volunteer
Our volunteers are the heart of our operations, and their time and support will be even more vital as we adapt to these changes. Learn more and sign up here.

Advocate
Help our local and federal delegation understand the impact that policy change makes on members of our community.

We remain deeply grateful for the ongoing support of this community. Together, we can navigate these challenging times and continue to provide nourishment for those who need it most.

Thank you for your continued compassion and support.

Sincerely,

P.S. I was asked by the Portland Press Herald to share my thoughts on the TEFAP cuts and their impact on our organization and community. You can read the article from this Sunday's paper here:
Federal Cuts Leave Maine Food Pantries with Empty Shelves and More Need than Ever