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Maine Community Foundation donors support Good Shepherd Food Bank during MPBN’s winter membership drive

Auburn, ME – During its winter membership drive, Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) will partner with Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) donors to raise hunger awareness and help Good Shepherd Food Bank (GSFB) distribute crucial food assistance throughout Maine.

For every donation made to MPBN during the November 26 – December 11 television membership drive, MaineCF donors will, in turn, donate enough money to Good Shepherd Food Bank to feed a family of four for about 12 days.

“By feeding your television,” says Jennifer Foley, VP of development at MPBN, “you are helping Good Shepherd Food Bank, through its network of partner agencies, to feed a Maine family struggling with hunger.”

MPBN has partnered with the MaineCF and GSFB in the past during radio pledge drives, which not only raised money for the public broadcaster but also raised the public’s awareness of food insecurity, which more Mainers are facing as the sluggish economy continues to burden families across the state.

“Our donors care deeply about Mainers having enough to eat,” said Meredith Jones, MaineCF president and CEO.  “They also recognize the important role MPBN plays in keeping us informed,” she said.

“This is a partnership between three Maine organizations that are working together to help Mainers in need,” said Rick Small, GSFB president and CEO. “It’s an innovative campaign and it’s so easy for everyone to join and help us address the growing need for emergency food in Maine.”

Good Shepherd Food Bank provides over 10 million meals annually through a network of more than 600 partner agencies. Partner agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers, and youth programs.

For statistics on poverty and hunger, media inquiries, photos, or interview requests, please contact Clara McConnell at (207) 761-0542 or cmcconnell@gsfb.org.

ABOUT GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD BANK

The largest hunger relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food-Bank provides for those at risk of hunger by soliciting and distributing surplus food to more than 600 partner agencies.  Since 1981, the Food-Bank has partnered with individuals, businesses and farmers to alleviate hunger and build community relationships.  In 2010 the Food-Bank distributed 12 million pounds of food to families and individuals throughout Maine.  Web site:  www.gsfb.org.  Phone:  (207) 782-3554. Facebook: www.facebook.com/feedingmaine  Twitter: www.twitter.com/feedingmaine

ABOUT MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Maine Community Foundation serves thousands of people who share a common mission: improving the quality of life in our state. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds that help Maine meet the challenges of changing times. Today, the foundation’s assets of $180 million are held in stewardship for more than 800 funds. Maine Community Foundation grants cover the full range of nonprofit undertakings, with a special focus in the areas of education, the environment, arts and humanities, and social and community services. Since opening its doors in 1983, the foundation has awarded more than $123 million in grants and scholarships.

ABOUT MAINE PUBLIC BROADCAST NETWORK

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network connects the people of Maine to each other and to the world through the open exchange of information, ideas and cultural content. As Maine’s premier, independent media resource, we create exceptional opportunities for the communities we serve to engage with critical issues, compelling stories and quality entertainment.