Synergent Blog

The 7th Annual Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger Challenge is underway! Throughout the month of October, the Campaign is working to raise $100,000 to help provide funding for 200,000 healthy meals across our home state of Maine. Anyone can donate, including individuals and businesses, and you do not need to be a credit union member to participate.

“Maine credit unions always step up when our neighbors need help,” said Elise Baldacci, President of the Maine Credit Union League. “A few months ago, we contributed $100,000 to Good Shepherd Food Bank through our 48 to Feed the State initiative, and now we’re asking the public to join us in supporting our October fundraiser. Demand for food assistance continues to grow and every donation our Campaign receives this month will help put food on the table for more people in need.”

Food insecurity remains a serious concern across Maine. One in five Maine children experience food insecurity; 14.5% of households struggle to consistently put food on the table, and more than 31,000 seniors are at risk of hunger. Maine also has the highest rate of childhood food insecurity in New England. Those challenges are especially significant in a rural state like Maine, where access to food assistance can be more difficult. Washington County, for example, has a food insecurity rate of 18.8%—the highest in New England!

Funds raised in October will support hunger relief efforts across Maine, with 25% of online donations directly benefiting Good Shepherd Food Bank. Remaining funds will support local food pantries, meal programs, schools, and other organizations addressing hunger.

“I’m incredibly proud of the way Maine’s credit unions carry out our People Helping People philosophy through this Campaign,” added Baldacci. “They see the impact of hunger in their communities every day, and that makes this work personal. It’s why credit unions across Maine continue to give so generously to this cause, and why we hope others will feel compelled to join us.”

To support the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge through an online donation, visit www.campaignforendinghunger.org. The Campaign for Ending Hunger is Synergent’s signature social responsibility initiative, and we are proud to again support the $100,000 Challenge as a Premium Contributor in the Four-Course Dinner category.