Area food pantries negatively impacted by USDA cuts

The China Food Pantry at 1320 Lakeview Drive in China. (photo by Eric Austin)

by Eric W. Austin
Dave Carew
Roland Hallee

Due to budget cuts by the Trump Administration, Good Shepherd Food Bank, which distributes food to more than 600 partner-organizations including Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, and China Food Pantry, is receiving, effective April 1, 2025, a 50 percent reduction in the amount of food it usually receives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd, called the 50 percent cut an “almost insurmountable” amount, and said it will make it significantly more difficult to address the needs of the growing number of food-insecure Mainers.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program, (TEFAP) was created to help supplement the diets of lower-income Americans through emergency food assistance.

Local community food banks and pantries serve as lifelines for thousands of Mainers facing food insecurity. These crucial organizations now enter perhaps their most challenging period in recent memory as federal funding cuts threaten their operations. Despite these obstacles, central Maine’s food assistance network remains determined to fulfill its mission – though they need community support now more than ever.

Maine faces one of the highest rates of food insecurity in New England, with approximately 180,000 residents, including 45,000 children, struggling to access adequate nutrition. Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine’s sole Feeding America-affiliated food bank, distributes roughly 40 million meals annually across the state, serving as the backbone of the food security network that smaller local pantries rely upon.

“We were told by Good Shepherd [on Friday, March 28] there would be a 20 percent cut in produce, starting in April.”
– Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie –

Asked how the USDA cuts will specifically impact Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie said, “We were told by Good Shepherd [on Friday, March 28] there would be a 20 percent cut in produce, starting in April. And because Winslow Community Cupboard is a hub for other area food pantries, this will negatively impact about 25 other food pantries in Kennebec, Waldo, and Somerset counties.”

Bottiglierie said he is trying to “take this with a grain of salt” and not panic, because so many “threats” from the Trump administration have been later retracted.

Recent USDA funding cuts have delivered a significant blow to this system. Starting April 1, Good Shepherd expects a 50 percent reduction in food received through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), dropping from 500,000 pounds to just 250,000 pounds monthly. This represents about 20 percent of all food they distribute. Compounding the problem, the USDA has ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA), which helped Good Shepherd purchase produce from approximately 100 Maine farmers. This cancellation results in a projected loss of 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of fresh, local produce.

These cuts couldn’t come at a worse time, as grocery prices remain stubbornly high and food insecurity continues to rise. Central Maine food pantries, which depend heavily on Good Shepherd for supplies, now face increased strain on their operations and resources.

Alarmed by the sudden announcement of the food-delivery reduction, a group of 25 U.S. Senators, including Sen. Angus King, called for USDA distributions to be reinstated, and that “concrete reasoning” be provided as to why deliveries are being reduced. Sen. King told the Portland Press Herald that the delivery-reduction “takes food away from hungry Maine people already facing high grocery prices, and hurts Maine farmers who are already squeezed by tariffs and other cuts to domestic markets.”

According to the national nonprofit Feeding America, one in eight Mainers – or about 180,000 people – faces hunger, which is the highest food-insecurity rate in New England. That number includes approximately 45,000 Maine children.

Local pantry directors, however, remain resolute. “Our pantry survives on small donations and grants,” explains Allison Brooks of the Jefferson Community Food Pantry. “The best way to help a food pantry is by donating directly to them. That gives them the ability to purchase goods needed. In all, I have faith that our pantry will survive this bump if it comes with the help of our amazing community.”

Tom Parent, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the China Community Food Pantry, shares this determined outlook. “The pantry will continue to do its best to support those in need in our area with the continued support of the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the generous donations from the area Hannaford stores, and the invaluable food and financial contributions from our local community members,” he affirms.

At the state level, Maine legislators are considering measures to support local food initiatives, such as expanding investment in the Mainers Feeding Mainers program, to help mitigate the impact of these federal cuts. These efforts recognize the critical importance of maintaining food access across the state, particularly in rural central Maine communities.

Despite the significant challenges ahead, local food pantries express cautious optimism about their future, drawing strength from the communities they serve. Many report seeing increased local donations as news of the federal cuts spreads, demonstrating Maine’s strong tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

Food pantry directors across central Maine emphasize that monetary donations provide the most flexibility, allowing them to purchase exactly what their clients need most. They also welcome food donations, volunteer time, and advocacy efforts to support long-term food security solutions.

As this situation continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: central Maine’s food pantries may face unprecedented challenges, but with community support, they remain committed to ensuring no neighbor goes hungry. The resilience of these organizations – and the communities that sustain them – will be tested in the months ahead, but the spirit of mutual aid continues to offer hope amid uncertainty.

How You Can Help

The reduction in food will mean the food bank has to rely more heavily on other sources of food and funding, including donations from businesses and individual monetary donations.

Last Thursday, Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry served 270 food-insecure families, Bruce Bottiglierie said. Those who would like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry may do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com.

For more information, please call (207) 616-0076 or email WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

Endicott College announces local dean’s list students

Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachusetts, has announced its Fall 2024 dean’s list students.

The following students have met the requirements:

Augusta

Oliver Parker, English, Katherine Parker and Walter Parker;

China

Emily Clark, Nursing, Stacy Clark and Christopher Clark;

China Village

Hailey Hobart, Education, Deborah Hobart and Daniel Hobart

Jefferson

Elizabeth Greenleaf, Liberal Studies;

Winslow

Alexi ONeil, English, Michelle O’Neil.

LETTERS: Wayne Farrin embodies life in Midcoast Maine

To the editor:

One of the most positive experiences my family has enjoyed since we moved to Jefferson three years ago has been getting to know people in the community.

Among those whom we have met, Wayne Farrin stands out with his constant and clear dedication to his family, his community, and his sincere desire to seek practical solutions to the problems we face. Coming from a family with deep roots in Lincoln County, he understands the diverse needs of the district and has started and operated successful businesses that strengthen and build up the towns and is part and parcel of the community spirit that makes this such a special place in which to live. Unsurprisingly, Wayne also volunteers his time and knowledge in so many ways, it is clear how much it means to him to pitch in wherever needed. This alone shows anyone he meets how much he cares.

He will make us proud in Augusta.

Jim Sitrick, Jr.
Jefferson

LETTERS: Business owner supports Farrin

To the editor:

As a small business owner, I know how exciting – and challenging – it can be to start up and keep your dream alive.

That’s why I am enthusiastically voting for Wayne Farrin as Maine’s State House Representative of District #47 (Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield, and Wiscasset).

Having spoken to him personally about the importance of our local businesses, our small town main streets, and our incredible community here in Maine, I am confident that Wayne is the candidate who will best support our business owners and local economy.

Wayne’s policy proposals are smart and practical. As a business owner himself, he deeply understands what’s working as well as what’s needed. And he truly cares about lifting up and supporting all folks in our community.

No matter your political party, I hope you join me in investing in Maine’s vibrant businesses and communities by voting for Wayne Farrin in November.

Lucy Flores
Wiscasset

LETTERS: Wayne Farrin listens to your worries

To the editor:

Forty years ago, I moved to Wiscasset from “away,” and ever since, my husband’s been explaining to me what it means to be a real Mainer. He’s talked about honesty, resourcefulness, and independence. He’s mentioned optimism and the willingness to lend a hand. Wayne Farrin, candidate for state representative in District #47 (Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield, and Wiscasset), has these qualities. Wayne, who has worked hard since he was a little boy in South Bristol, now balances two jobs: real estate agent and co-owner, with his wife, of the Jefferson Market. In both, he meets all kinds of people. He listens to their worries and their joys. He wants to tackle problems that affect our whole community, including the lack of affordable housing and the difficulty of running a small business. Wayne is the genuine article. (My husband agrees!) Regardless of your political party, give Wayne your vote on November 5.

Anne Leslie
Wiscasset

Local students named to president’s list at Plymouth State University

Local students have been named to the Plymouth State University president’s list for the spring 2024 semester, in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Named were:

Dylan Flewelling, of Oakland. Flewelling is a exercise and sport physiology major.
Joscelyn Gagnon, of Benton. Gagnon is a music education (K-12) major.
Kaiden Kelley, of South China. Kelley is an art and design major.
Abigail Sewall, of Jefferson. Sewall is a nursing major.

Springfield College recognizes local students (2024)

Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, has named William Banks, from Jefferson, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2024 spring semester. Banks has a primary major of Physical Education. Also, Kaitlin Morrison, from Winslow, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2024 spring semester. Morrison has a primary major of Communication Sci & Disorders.

SNHU announces winter 2024 honors

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire,  announces the following students being named to the Winter 2024 President’s List.
Justin Drescher, of Augusta,  Ivette Hernandez Cortez, of Augusta, Grant Brown, of Augusta,  Matthew Bandyk, of Jefferson, Jennifer Anastasio, of Jefferson, Talon Mosher, of Winslow,  Quincy Giustra, of Winslow,  Candice Eaton, of Waterville, Sierra Winson, of Winslow, Andre Coachman, of Waterville, Carrielee Harvey, of Waterville, Heather Hall, of Canaan, Stormy Wentworth, of Fairfield, Misty Ray, of Montville, Zachary Eggen, of Liberty, Christopher Beaman, of Madison, Emily Hernandez, of Embden, Blake Laweryson, of North Anson, and Van Boardman, of Oakland.
The following students were named to the Winter 2024 dean’s list:
Brandon Stinson, of Augusta, Nicholas Stutler, of Sidney, Jaimie Thomas, of Sidney, Grace Marshall, of Waterville, and Ashley Parks, of Anson.

William Banks named to dean’s list (2023)

Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, has named William Banks from Jefferson, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2023 fall semester. Banks has a primary major of physical education.

York County CC announces fall honors (2023)

York County Community College students are recognized each semester for their outstanding academic achievements, in York.

Stacy Bettencourt, of Jefferson,, part-time dean’s list;
Michaela Bisson, of Winslow, dean’s list;
Lucas Wallace, of Skowhegan, part-time dean’s list;