In need? First County Food Pantry holiday distribution is Dec. 22, 23, 24

ALFRED, Maine – First County Food Pantry will host a three-day drive thru holiday distribution for individuals and families in need 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 22, 23, and 24, at the intersection of Swett's Bridge Road and Route 4 in Alfred.

“Food insecurity rates in York County and in Maine are high,” said Rachel Stansfield, York County government’s Chief Advancement Officer and liaison to its charitable arm, First County Foundation, Inc. “By taking this step, we hope those who need it will stop by and receive a basket of food that will help them prepare a holiday dinner.”

The baskets are expected to contain a ham or turkey and some sides.

According to the state’s 2024 Ending Hunger report, York County’s overall individual food insecurity rate was 12.3 percent, or about 26,400 people in 2023;  while the child food insecurity rate was 18.2 percent –  about 7,070 children.

Among children statewide, one in five, or 18.7 percent, live in food insecure households – the highest rate of child food insecurity in New England, according to  the Ending Hunger report.

First County Food Pantry is grateful to all the individuals, families, businesses and corporations who choose to donate food or the means to buy it – and to the faithful volunteers who give generously of their time to help feed those who are in difficult financial circumstances. Thank you.