Acadia FCU combats Maine hunger with nearly $46K in community aid

by Contributed
12 months ago
Acadia FCU Madawaska Branch Manager Esther Cote (holding check) is joined by Carla Daley and Elizabeth Beaulieu to present a $14,549.55 check to Nelson Craig and his wife Rena, representatives for the Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish Food Pantry in Madawaska. (Courtesy of Acadia FCU)

Acadia Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution with branches throughout northern Aroostook County and Bangor, recently distributed nearly $46,000 to help feed Maine’s hungry. Fifteen food pantries and food assistance programs in the St. John Valley, Ashland, and the greater Bangor area have received support from the credit union’s fundraising initiatives as part of Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.

“Our dedication to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity in our communities is a year-long effort,” said Alison Smart, Acadia FCU marketing manager and Ending Hunger Campaign coordinator. “Escalating expenses have heightened food insecurity across the nation — exponentially so, right here in Maine. We continue to focus our efforts on addressing this need and delivering essential assistance to the communities we serve.”

The concerted efforts of a committed and passionate team, coupled with the generosity of local businesses, members, and friends, resulted in a total fundraising sum of $45,794.06. Acadia FCU placed third overall out of 49 Maine credit unions. 

Cindy Lagasse of Acadia FCU presents a check for $250 to Rebecca Michaud (Fish River Rural Health RN Care Coordinator), a representative for the FRRH Food Shelf in Fort Kent. All three locations of FRRH have a food shelf on-site, all managed by their own RNs to help patients with obtaining the food, plus offer lessons on preserving, preparing, and cooking the food.
(Courtesy of Acadia FCU)

Throughout late fall, the money was divided and sent to the following agencies: First Assembly of God Food Pantry, St. John Vianney Parish Food Pantry, Aroostook Area Agency on Aging / Meals on Wheels program, Ashland Food Pantry, Greater Fort Kent Ecumenical Food Pantry, Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Food Pantry, Our Lady of the Valley, MSAD 33 Take Home Program, Fish River Rural Health Food Shelf, Seeds of Hope Food Pantry, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Brewer Area Food Pantry, The Salvation Army of Bangor, and Manna Ministries Food Pantry. 

Acadia FCU’s ongoing Campaign to End Hunger in Maine has continued throughout 2023 with a variety of fundraising initiatives. These include a spring sweepstakes, bi-monthly popcorn sales, monthly jeans day for Acadia staff, a corporate fund drive, an annual cash calendar, and an ongoing bottle drive. Still to come are a Christmas sweater event and a craft sale in Bangor with handmade creations donated by Acadia teammates. 

Donations of recyclable bottles supporting the cause can be conveniently dropped off at Caron’s Redemption Center in Fort Kent. For anyone wishing to make a monetary contribution, Acadia FCU gladly accepts online donations at https://campaignforendinghunger.org/acadiafcu/.