CARIBOU, Maine — Community groups and social organizations often host food drives to fill local food pantry shelves through the holidays, and Pines Health Services is grateful for a group of Caribou Middle School students who did just that.
“The need for food in our community has never been greater,” said eighth-grade teacher Holly Rhinebolt. “This food drive allowed us to fill this small food insecurity gap and teach the kids a valuable lesson on the importance of giving to others in need, a lesson that they will remember for years to come.”
The class collected and delivered multiple boxes of non-perishable food items, which filled the Pines Health Services community food cupboard.
“As a community health center, our cupboard doors are always open to children and families in the area, regardless if they are a patient at our health center. It is so incredible and very generous of Mrs. Rhinebolt and her class to organize and undertake the responsibility of a food drive,” said Casey Bouchard, communications and community relations representative for Pines and Cary Medical Center.
“Every single item that was placed in that cupboard will greatly help those in need. Every box of cereal, packet of rice and package of pasta will make a difference to fight against hunger,” Bouchard said.
According to Feeding America Map the Meal Gap, Aroostook County has the highest rate of food insecurity at 16 percent. With a population of over 69,000 residents residing in the County, that equates to over 11,000 individuals who do not have a reliable food source and worry where their next meal may come from. Although food insecurity has fallen nationwide, Maine still ranks third among states for highest rates of hunger.
“Our team is so proud of Mrs. Rhinebolt’s students for their kindness and willingness to help those who are less fortunate. Their energy and positivity filling the cupboard was so great to see, I hope they know how great of an impact they have made in their community,” she said.
“With the vast amount of food that was collected by the students, we were also were able to donate to Catholic Charities and the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen,” Rhinebolt said.
The students also collected and donated toys to the Caribou Fire Department for their toy drive.
“I hope this experience has opened their eyes to continue giving back and being kind,” said Rhinebolt.
