Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Community Table has announced the 2023 Community Redistribution Fund grantees.

As part of its focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, the food bank created a fund aimed at breaking down barriers and increasing access to culturally appropriate foods for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous people and People of Color), immigrant, and refugee communities throughout Maine. According to the Ending Hunger in Maine by 2030 Task Force Report, 28% of households headed by people of color are food insecure, and 40% of households headed by Black Mainers are food insecure, according to a news release from Jessica Donahue, director of marketing and communications with the Auburn-based food bank.

“Food insecurity disproportionally impacts communities of color. Community Redistribution Grants, while not a permanent solution, help break down barriers to accessing culturally appropriate foods and bridge the gap as we make strides to center equity in the food bank’s work and address the root causes of hunger in Maine,” said Marpheen Chann, one of Good Shepherd Food Bank’s community impact managers.

Fifty-nine organizations across the state will receive investments from the Food Bank’s Community Redistribution Fund. Of the $750,000 available, $170,000 will be granted to Maine tribes and Indigenous-led organizations to support traditional food and foodways. Bangor, Northern and Downeast Maine, with most Maine tribal communities and Indigenous-led organizations included, will be granted $210,000, and $245,000 will be granted to Black-led organizations.

2023 Community Redistribution Fund Grantees include A.C.T Heaven First Church, Afghan Community of Maine, AK Health and Social Services, Angolan Community of Maine and Azerbaijan Society of Maine.

Also, Bangor School Department, Black Owned Maine, Brunswick School Department, Capital Area New Mainers Project, Congolese Community of Maine, Cultivating Community and Eastern Woodlands Rematriation Collective.

Also, Five Pillars Butchery, Gateway Community Service Maine, Greater Portland Family Promise, Health Corner, In Her Presence, Intercultural Community Center, Khmer Maine and Land In Common.

Also, Lewiston Auburn Youth Network, Lewiston Public Schools, Living With Peace International, Maine Association for New Americans, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services and Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition.

Also, Maine Medical Center Food Pantry, Maine Multicultural Center, Mano en Mano, Mawiomi Garden, Mawita’nej Epij’ij, Mi’kmaq Nation and Multicultural Community and Support Services.

Also, Multilingual & Multicultural Center, Portland Public Schools, New England Arab American Organization, New Roots Cooperative Farm, Nibezun and Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Masjid.

Also, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, Presente! Maine, Sacred Heart/St. Dominic’s Church and Somali Bantu Community Association of Maine.

Also, South Portland School Department, South Sudanese Group of Friends, St. Ann’s/Penobscot Food Pantry, Sustainable Livelihoods Relief Organization (SLRO), The Third Place and Tree Street Youth, Inc.

Also, Ummah Farm Enterprise, United Asian Communities, Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, Welcoming Immigrants, Our New Neighbors, Westbrook School Department, Zambian Community of Maine and Zone 6 Farms.

For more information, visit feedingmaine.org/crf.

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