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November 24, 2025

Maine credit unions raise $238K to fight food insecurity

Representatives of the Maine Credit Union League and Good Sheph Photo / Courtesy of Maine Credit Union League From left, Jen Burke of the Maine Credit Union League, Heather Paquette of the Good Shepherd Food Bank and Elise Baldacci of the Maine Credit Union League with a donation check for Good Shepherd.
By Renee Cordes

Maine credit unions raised $238,217 this October to fight food insecurity statewide, more than double the original goal and a timely boost during a period of heightened need.

Last year’s effort brought in $154,498, “so we are beyond thrilled with what we did this year,” Jen Burke, vice president for outreach and strategic initiatives at the Westbrook-based trade association, told Mainebiz.

This year’s campaign came as many Mainers faced greater hardship due to the government shutdown and its impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as SNAP.

“The philosophy of ‘people helping people’ is core to the credit union movement, and I’m honestly not surprised that Maine’s credit unions knocked their fundraising goal out of the park,” said Elise Baldacci, president of the Maine Credit Union League.

"We know many people in our local communities are struggling financially and our hunger relief partners need our help to keep up with the growing demand for food assistance,” she added. “I am so proud of what we accomplished in just a short period of time.” 

As part of a $100,000 fundraising challenge, a quarter of online proceeds collected in October will be directed to Good Shepherd Food Bank, which was presented with a check for nearly $36,000.

“Thank you to everyone who supported this important campaign,” said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “We are proud to have you standing with us as we work toward a future where everyone in Maine is food secure.”

Fundraising will continue through the end of the year, with the annual total to be announced in early February.

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