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February 13, 2025

Maine credit unions raise record $1.3M to fight hunger

By Renee Cordes

Maine credit unions raised a record $1.3 million last year to fight hunger across the state, marking a new milestone for the annual campaign.

“Hunger touches every corner of our state, impacting individuals both young and old,” said Elise Baldacci, president of the Westbrook-based trade group.

“As an industry driven by a shared mission of ‘people helping people,’ credit unions are deeply committed to solving this problem — offering their time, talent, and resources to address our state’s meal gap,” she added. “Their unwavering support to end hunger in Maine is clearly demonstrated by these remarkable fundraising results.”
 
Funds raised through Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger remain in Maine and directly support local organizations such as food banks, pantries, health care programs, schools, colleges and meal sites. In 2024, the campaign provided financial relief to 274 organizations.
 
“Credit unions see hunger in their communities, and they understand the struggles many individuals and families face when it comes to putting nutritious meals on their table,” said Jen Burke, the league’s vice president of outreach and strategic initiatives.

“I am deeply proud to work in a movement that is committed to improving the lives of those they serve, whether that’s offering financial counsel, safe products and services, or a path to obtaining the food they need to thrive,” she noted.

An event in Freeport earlier this week to mark the achievement included check presentations to Full Plates Full Potential, Good Shepherd Food Bank, the Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Community Cupboard and MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland. Each group received $5,000 to combat hunger.

Since the campaign’s inception in 1990, Maine credit unions have contributed over $14.9 million to address hunger issues across the state, according to Baldacci.

“With fundraising efforts already underway for 2025, I know our industry will continue making a meaningful impact, taking on this challenge with drive, passion and determination," she said.

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