Portland Schools Foundation Raises $40,000 for Food Assistance

The Foundation for Portland Public Schools has successfully raised over $40,000 to bolster food assistance efforts for families within the district, as announced on October 26, 2023. This funding will support school food pantries and provide additional resources during an anticipated interruption of federal food assistance benefits.

The federal government shutdown is expected to impact many families reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), causing anxiety among those who depend on these benefits for their grocery needs. According to the foundation, approximately 170,000 individuals in Maine could be affected by this lapse in funding.

Andrea Weisman Summers, the director of the Foundation for Portland Public Schools, characterized the community’s fundraising response as unprecedented. “Students can’t focus on learning if they are hungry, and the way that our community has stepped up to confront the looming hunger crisis is genuinely heartwarming,” Summers stated.

Community Support and Distribution Plans

In addition to supporting school-based food pantries, the raised funds will also be allocated for Hannaford gift cards, which will be distributed to families in need. The foundation plans to collaborate with school counselors and social workers to ensure that the assistance is equitably distributed among those most affected.

Portland Public Schools, the largest and most diverse school district in the state, faces significant challenges. Currently, 56% of its students are classified as low-income, and 12% of the student body is either homeless or experiencing housing instability.

Statewide Efforts to Combat Hunger

In light of the anticipated interruption of federal benefits, various community organizations and local restaurants across Maine are stepping in to provide necessary support. Additionally, Gov. Janet Mills has announced the release of $1.25 million in funding aimed at food pantries and anti-hunger initiatives to mitigate the impact of this situation.

Furthermore, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has joined forces with 24 other states in a legal effort against the federal government concerning the impending disruption of food assistance programs. The combined efforts of local organizations, state officials, and community members reflect a robust response to the growing issue of food insecurity in Maine.

As the situation develops, the Foundation for Portland Public Schools remains committed to ensuring that no student goes hungry, working diligently to provide essential resources during this critical time.