Access to healthy food is very important for our health and well-being. That's why MaineHealth partnered with Good Shepherd Food Bank to open hospital-based food pantries in Farmington, Norway and Portland, Maine.
Providing healthy food to the communities we serve
MaineHealth food pantries provide healthy food at no cost to community members. Our goal is to be an extra source for healthy foods for individuals and families. Food is shared in a safe space set up like a small grocery store.
All are welcome
Our food pantry spaces are welcoming, dignified and confidential. People who visit can access food that fits their health needs, as well as cultural and dietary preferences (when possible).
Impact 2024
Our pantries were visited 42,552 times. We shared 1,109,495 pounds of food, including 515,820 pounds of fresh produce.
- Food is Medicine: The pantry recognizes that nutrition is an integral part of health and healing and aims to distribute nutritious foods, the information needed to use them, and support access to the resources necessary to cook and eat them.
- Empowerment: Patron, staff, and volunteer strengths are acknowledged, built upon, and validated. Feedback is regularly gathered and used to make decisions and improvements. The pantry creates and communicates clear expectations.
- Choice: The pantry utilizes a patron-choice model where people are able to choose which foods they would like to take.
- Safety: The pantry setting and activities ensure patrons, staff, and volunteers feel physically and emotionally safe. Each person is treated with respect, dignity, and kindness.
- Humility & Responsiveness: People of different backgrounds have access to food and resources that fit their cultural, linguistic, dietary, and health needs. Biases, stereotypes, and historical trauma are recognized and addressed.
- Collaboration: The pantry maximizes collaboration among care team members, community-based organizations, and patrons in program development and implementation.
- Sustainability: The pantry prioritizes local foods when possible and engages in a variety of efforts to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Principles adapted from Leah’s Pantry, Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Contact
For more information please contact us at foodismedicine@mainehealth.org.
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity means not having access to affordable and healthy foods. Food insecurity increases a person's risk for chronic disease.