Helping fight hunger in our home state of Maine has taken on new urgency, as Good Shepherd Food Bank, our dedicated partner in battling food insecurity, is facing a critical shortfall in federal support. To help close this funding gap, Synergent is deepening its commitment to the Campaign for Ending Hunger, our signature social responsibility initiative dedicated to supporting communities in need and addressing this challenge head-on.
Two major programs that supply food to our state’s most vulnerable residents are currently at risk:
- The USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program—which would have brought $1.25 million to Maine over three years—has been canceled. This means 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of fresh, local produce will no longer reach families in need.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is also under threat of federal cuts. If reduced, Good Shepherd Food Bank expects to lose 250,000 pounds of food every month—a staggering gap as food insecurity continues to climb in our state.
The ripple effect is already being felt, from Good Shepherd Food Bank to the frontline food pantries serving communities across Maine. With demand surging and supplies dwindling, this is a moment for us to unite in our collective credit union spirit of People Helping People.
How You Can Help
To help meet this urgent need, the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent are providing emergency funding to Good Shepherd Food Bank through the Campaign for Ending Hunger. In celebration of the Campaign’s 35th year, we initially pledged to match up to $35,000 in credit union contributions. But thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of our credit union community, we’ve increased our match to $100,000!
If you are able, or your credit union, or company is able, please consider joining this effort by making a donation online before April 30. Our goal is to present a united check to Good Shepherd Food Bank by mid-May.
Working to Ensure No Mainer Goes Hungry
In challenging times, our industry doesn’t sit on the sidelines—we come together for our communities. By standing with Good Shepherd Food Bank, we can help ensure families across Maine continue to have access to the food they need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one dollar—and one meal—at a time.