Did You Know? Food Insecurity Affects More Maine Families Than You Might Think
When we think about hunger, we might picture someone who has gone days without a meal. But food insecurity isn’t always that obvious. It can affect working families, older adults, children, and neighbors who may be struggling quietly to make ends meet.
Here in Maine, food insecurity is a serious issue, and it may be affecting more people in our communities than you realize.
What Is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity means not always having reliable access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life.
It doesn’t necessarily mean someone is going without food every day. Sometimes, it means having to choose less nutritious options because they’re more affordable. Other times, it means worrying about whether groceries will last until the next paycheck or having to skip meals to stretch a limited budget.
For many households, food insecurity can involve difficult choices between buying groceries and paying for other necessities, such as housing, utilities, transportation, or medication.
Food Insecurity in Maine: The Numbers May Surprise You
According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap research, using 2024 data:
- 14.5% of Maine residents experience food insecurity. That’s approximately 1 in 7 people.
- 20.7% of Maine children live in food-insecure households. That’s approximately 1 in 5 children.
- Maine has the highest rate of child food insecurity in New England.
Behind these statistics are real Maine families, including working households struggling to balance the cost of groceries with other everyday expenses. Food insecurity isn’t always visible, and it can affect people in our communities in ways we might not expect. Source: Maine Governor’s Office – Food Insecurity Rates in Maine
Why Does Food Insecurity Happen?
There is no single reason someone experiences food insecurity. Unexpected medical bills, reduced work hours, and rising household costs can quickly strain a family’s budget. For households already managing tight finances, even one unexpected expense can make it difficult to afford groceries. Food insecurity isn’t simply about having enough food available; it’s also about having reliable access to nutritious, affordable options.
How Can We Help Our Maine Neighbors?
Here are a few simple ways we can help support people experiencing food insecurity:
- Donate to local food pantries. Nonperishable foods and other requested necessities can help organizations serve individuals and families in their communities.
- Make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow hunger-relief organizations to purchase food and respond to changing needs.
- Volunteer your time. Many food pantries and community organizations depend on volunteers to sort donations, prepare food, and assist with distribution.
- Help spread awareness. Sharing accurate information about food insecurity can build understanding and encourage community involvement.
Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day.
Maine’s Credit Unions Are Working Together to End Hunger
For more than three decades, Maine’s credit unions have worked together to fight food insecurity through the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. This October, we’re once again participating in the 7th Annual $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge, joining credit unions across Maine in an effort to provide 200,000 healthy meals to Mainers in need.
At New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, giving back is an important part of who we are. Many of our fundraising efforts throughout the year benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger and Special Olympics Maine, reflecting our commitment to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People.
We’re also celebrating our community through our 250 Acts of Kindness initiative! From October 13–16, we’re collecting nonperishable food and personal care items at all New Dimensions branch locations to support local food pantries.
Whether you donate an item, make a financial contribution, or help spread awareness, every act of kindness matters.
Together, we can help make hope stronger than hunger.
Ready to make a difference? Support New Dimensions Federal Credit Union’s Campaign for Ending Hunger and help Maine families experiencing food insecurity.