Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

Updated: April 7, 2025

Ellsworth food bank opens ‘Knowledge Pantry’ computer lab

By Laurie Schreiber

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Hancock County’s largest food pantry, opened its “Knowledge Pantry” computer lab on April 4 with a ribbon-cutting.

Established in a dedicated, private area of the Loaves & Fishes market, the Knowledge Pantry is a dedicated computer lab and classroom with four Dell desktop machines, printer access and a reliable, secure internet hookup, according to a news release.

Users can navigate and apply for benefits, create resumes and apply for employment. 

Made possible in part by support from Dom Efter, owner of Downeast Printing & Graphics and a longtime pantry supporter, the Knowledge Pantry will also be the delivery point for parts of Loaves & Fishes’ enhanced life-skills curriculum, including classes in digital and financial literacy, resume creation, job search strategies and internet safety.

The pantry plans to grow the number of workstations to eight as additional funding permits.

“The Knowledge Pantry at Loaves & Fishes will provide digital equity for neighbors in need, transforming our space of immediate sustenance into one of long-term opportunity and empowering individuals and families to build better futures,” said Tracy Shaffer, the board’s co-president.

Digital equity challenges significantly limit pantry shoppers’ access to basic services, educational opportunities and economic advancement, according to the release.

Accessing housing applications, job listings and public assistance programs require internet access and a computer. It’s basically impossible to apply for jobs, create resumes, attend virtual interviews or manage deadlines without internet access or a functional device, the release said.

This “digital divide” has an outsized impact on pantry patrons who are unhoused or living in precarious situations — transitional housing, shelters or their vehicles. The lack of consistent and reliable access to technology and the internet compounds the challenges they face in securing stability and improving their quality of life.

The computer lab is initially intended for use by pantry shoppers. The lab will be open during select pantry service hours and will be managed by a dedicated building concierge.

Sign up for Enews

Mainebiz web partners

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF