Our History
The original food rescue program in York County started in 1998 through a coordinated effort of Wayside Soup Kitchen, Maine Coalition for Food Security and several of Maine's largest emergency food providers. In 2007, when Wayside announced it was discontinuing its involvement, the York County Food Rescue Program was created to take over this vital work.
Initial Success, Ongoing Mission
During the year October 2006-September 2007, over 240,000 pounds of donated food was rescued and redistributed to 40 feeding programs, shelters and food pantries in York County.
All food is inspected, sorted and redistributed at no cost to these agencies. Stringent guidelines insure that all products are handled in a safe and proper manner. The distribution facility is held to standards and is regularly inspected to insure that proper food temperatures are maintained.
The agencies that we serve must also meet certain criteria. Each receives an annual visit to ensure that all donations continue to be handled in a safe manner, that proper temperatures are maintained and that the food is given to people in need.
Our Newsletter
This is the first in what we hope will be many quarterly Newsletters to keep you abreast of information and events that have to do with our organization. Your ideas are always welcome and news from our membership is encouraged.
2010 York County Food Rescue Fall Newsletter
Happenings during the Last Quarter
A breakfast fundraiser was held for our benefit at the Nonantum Inn, Kennebunk on Saturday, May 15th. We thank the Inn for their support and the wonderful breakfast that was available to those who attended.
Jodi is still waiting to receive monthly numbers from several of our members. Without these numbers, we cannot satisfy the requirements for USDA food shipments and grants. This is an important resource for all of us and we cannot afford to lose it.
The Saco Food Pantry has their new web site up and running. Congratulations to Bob Nichols and crew for this monumental endeavor.
You can reach their web site at sacofoodpantry.org
Randy Mraz, TEFAP Director for the Maine Department of Agriculture and served as an advisor to YCFR, retired earlier this year. Randy gave us his support to get Food Rescue started and was responsible for the USDA food and USDA grant money that has helped supplement food we distribute to our member organizations. We wish Randy our best for a well earned and fruitful retirement. As of September 7th, Patrick Adams will assume the responsibilities as the new TEFAP Director. Patrick brought the CSFP Program to Maine and worked closely with Randy for a smooth transition.
We regret to inform you of the passing of Tom Whalen of the York Community Pantry on June 8th. Tom has been a valued member of our Board and community. He was one of the individuals involved in getting Food Rescue off the ground. Our condolences go to Tom’s family, friends and the York Community Pantry. Tom’s special compassion for those in need was a blessing to the community.
Happenings that took place or are scheduled for the remainder of the Third Quarter
On July 1st, we held an all pantry meeting at York County Community Action Corp. at 6 Spruce Street, Sanford, ME. Each member soup kitchen and food pantry was asked to send two delegates to this important meeting. A luncheon was provided. In early August, we were the subject of a front page article in the Courier News publication, distributed in the Saco, Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach area, dealing with the drop in food donations and our concerns of being able to continue providing food to the needy. Subsequently Jodi and York County Food Rescue were featured in a news story by the Portland Press Herald and also by TV journalist, Chris Rose of WCSH, Channel 6. The story focused on the empty space at our warehouse and the change in our food resources as major food retailers exercise tighter inventory controls which means less food donated to Food Programs for the needy.
On August 28th, Members of the YCFR Board teamed up to support the Wells Chamber of Commerce Chili Fest, held at Wells Junior High School. Most of us worked the food service area and one of us served as a judge for the Chili Cook-off. Jim Audiffred shared his secret to cleansing the palate between sampling the chili. The solution is sour cream.
On 9/11, The United Way Campaign kicked off. YCFR is a benefactor of this campaign and several of our directors are also involved in the United Way fund raising effort.
A food drive was held at Save a Lot in Sanford on September 3rd, 4th and 5th for the benefit of YCFR.
Food Rescue will have a presence at the Business Expo on September 22nd The Expo is sponsored by the Biddeford/Saco Chamber of Commerce.
On Thursday, September 22nd , Food Rescue will participate in a Service Fair at the University of New England in Biddeford. The fair will run from 8am to 3pm with members of the YCFR Board on hand to explain our programs, pass out brochures, and answer questions and sign up volunteers.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of York County Food Rescue , sponsored by the Nonantum Resort will take place on Tuesday, September 28, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Lunch will be served courtesy of the Nonantum and the WJJ Gordon Family Foundation. We thank these generous friends of YFCR! Please RSVP to Jim Willey, Board Member, at Canteen Services Co., 284-0122 so we can get an accurate count of who will be attending the meeting..
Happenings that are scheduled for the Fourth Quarter
A food drive to benefit YCFR will be conducted on October 1st and 2nd at Shaws in Sanford.
York County Food Rescue will again join together with Smitty’s Cinema in Biddeford to help feed our neighbors in need. A food drive is planned for Friday, October 1st through Sunday October 31st.
A watermelon bin will be set up in the lobby of Smitty’s in Biddeford for those who wish to contribute can goods. Cash donations are also welcome. As a way of saying thank you, Smitty’s will give all those contributing to the drive a 32 oz Popcorn.
All food collected will be divided among the 47 food pantries, soup kitchens, and social service organizations served by Food Rescue across York County. We can each make this food drive as successful as the last one, and make this holiday season one of Thanks. For more information contact Jodi.
We are here for you!
Jodi has been working hard to see that our supply of food is ample to meet our needs. Jim Willey and the fund raising fundraising committee of Food Rescue have worked hard attempting to secure needed monetary donations. The board has been actively involved in providing the resources to keep things going. But we need your help on the local scene. You know the people, you know the organizations in your communities and as a member, you know what Food Rescue means to all of us.
We also could use some help in staffing our food drives which are a major source of our food supply. As a member there are many ways you can help, please contact Jodi Bissonnette at 324-1273
Finally
We are looking for a name for our news letter. If you have a name suggestion, please contact Board Member, Robert Dunn at rcdunnjr@gmail.com. The winning “Name” will be selected by the Board prior to the next publication date and will be acknowledged in that news letter.
We are also looking for a volunteer who would be willing to serve as editor for this publication. And of course, your contribution of news to keep us all informed is important also.