Naples Maine Food Pantry

The Naples Maine Food Pantry, located in the basement of the United Methodist Church of Good Fellowship, provides free groceries to local residents who are struggling financially.

I happened into the Food Pantry last week when I was helping a co-worker run some errands, and I was immediately impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the food being distributed.

Each person who walks into the pantry for food is greeted with a friendly smile by Barbara and Cindy, who make small talk as they fill boxes with food.  Each family fills out a form listing any specific needs they may have.  Need dog or cat food?  Out of paper towels?  Prefer unprocessed or organic food?  Kids like a specific snack?  Write it on your card, and the ladies will do their best to pack a box with exactly the items your family prefers.  

After your box of dry goods has been filled from their well-stocked pantry, each family is able to pick out meats, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods from among those spread out on the tables.  David and Launnie staff the tables, offering friendly help and pointing out the goodies of the week.  We walked out of there with a watermelon and apples, fresh veggies, and some steaks.  We tried to pass up the baked goods for healthier fare, but a pie still ended up going home with us.  

Most of the food is generously donated by Hannaford's, a grocery store in N. Windham, the next big town down the road, and produce is also donated by local farmers. Occasional food drives by local civic groups help to fill the pantry with dry goods.  

When I asked Launnie what their biggest challenge is, she told me that they would love to find a local dairy that would regularly donate eggs, milk, and cheese.  Right now the Food Pantry only has a sporadic supply of those items, but they are the very things that families need most.  The Food Pantry would love to be introduced to someone at Oakhurst Dairy, a major dairy distributor located in Portland.  Launnie would be willing to drive to Portland every Monday to pick up donations.   

If you are a resident of Naples going through tough times, the Naples Maine Food Pantry will happily help you until you get back on your feet.  Stop by on Tuesdays from 10 am to noon and from 5pm to 7pm.

If you are a summer resident or tourist, and want to give back to this great little community, consider making a donation of food or money.   You'll see boxes set up all over town that say Naples Maine Food Pantry on them.  When you're shopping for groceries to bring up to camp, buy a few extra items and throw them in the box.  There's a box just inside the door at the Naples Public Library, where I'm writing this.

If you're a local farmer with extra produce or dairy, or you can introduce Launnie to someone at Oakhurst Dairy, call Launnie at 207-838-9045, and she'll be happy to pick up your donations.