Kids are home for summer break, on vacation, but many are hungrier over the summer. That's because they don't get meals and snacks at school. Families with already tight budgets often come up short in the summer. And their kids go hungry.

We are fortunate when local gardeners share their backyard bounty. Most home gardeners and community gardens harvest more fresh produce than their families and neighbors can consume, and we welcome their abundance.

We strive to offer our patrons the most wholesome foods possible.

• Please only donate produce that you would enjoy eating yourself.
• Produce is fresh enough to remain in good condition for at least 3-5 days.
• Produce is free of insects, mold, or decay which can spread disease
• Produce has been grown using water obtained from a water source free from pathogens and other contaminants
• Produce has been handled only by people who follow proper handwashing procedures.

In accordance with food system best practices, we do not accept anonymous backyard produce. When you bring your produce, we'll ask for your name and contact information. By donating produce to the pantry, you are certifying that it is fresh and safe for consumption to the best of your knowledge.

We encourage backyard gardeners to report donations to the Maine Cooperative Extension's Harvest for Hunger program.

Some kids don't. We have cereal, and it would be great to have grocery gift cards so that families can buy milk, yogurt, and other perishables.

WHAT'S NEEDED

• Grocery gift cards and money.

Please contribute online today. Thank you!

Shelf-stable staple foods, including canned foods, boxed food, and bulk grains are always needed. Items frequently in short supply are in bold..

Remember, our patrons eat what you eat! We don't accept expired, open, or damaged food. That box or can gathering dust on the shelf or from the way back of your cupboard might still be good, but please check to be sure it is before you bring it to us. Thank you!

BEVERAGES
Coffee, Tea, Cocoa
100% Juice

CONDIMENTS & SPICES
Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Mustard, Pickles, Relish, Olives, Hot Sauce, Spices

PASTA & GRAINS & BEANS
Noodles, Spaghetti, Pasta, Polenta.
Mac'N'Cheese
Rice, Lentils, Beans, Chickpeas,

CEREALS & GRANOLA
Low sugar breakfast cereals, granola snack bars, energy/protein bars, granola, oatmeal

PROTEINS
Peanut Butter / Nutella or Hazlenut Spread
Canned Tuna / Salmon / Chicken / Ham
Chili / Soups with Protein
Lentils / Beans

SOUPS
Instant or canned soup, stew, chili, chowder
also needed: low-salt soups, vegetarian or vegan soups

FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Canned or dry fruits
Applesauce
Vegetables of all sorts (beans, corn, carrots, peas, etc.)
Tomatoes / Tomatoe Sauce
Potatoes (mashed, augratin, etc.)

Other welcome items include:
Baby formula, baby food, diapers.
Dish detergent, personal hygiene soaps and creams, toothbrushes, toothpaste
Clothes washing detergents
Sponges, paper towels, toilet paper.
Foods for dietary restrictions (gluten free, low / no sugar, low / no salt)

Visit the Maine Cooperative Extension for a great list of pantry items!