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Good Shepherd Food Bank / Programs / School Partners

School Partners

Our School Partners program focuses on meeting the nutritional needs of children during the times they are most likely to experience hunger: after school, on weekends, and during summer vacation.

A young girl holding various fruits and smiling

Support for kids when they need it most

Our programs serve Maine youth and families year-round.

School Pantry

We partner with nearly 200 public schools, early childhood centers, and college campuses to provide consistent access to nutritious food for students and their families.

Our school partners not only serve as food distribution sites in vulnerable areas but also function as vital community resource hubs where families feel welcomed, supported, and safe.

A line of students boarding a school bus.

Kid’s Café

The Kid’s Café program provides highly nutritious, kid-friendly snacks and prepared meals at community locations during after school hours.

In addition to providing a safe space for children to work on homework and explore new interests, Kid’s Café partners also host nutrition education programs for participants year-round.

The impact of this program

“ Just having [the summer meal program] takes the pressure off my shoulders, even for just a minute. This helps in 800 different ways. The kids usually have breakfast and lunch at school but don’t during the summer. ”
– Susan Mother of Summer Food Service Participants

The impact of this program

“ With one in five children facing food insecurity in Maine, we strive to meet the nutritional needs of Maine kids during the times they’re most likely to experience hunger and offer support in a variety of places – including nearly 200 school pantries, 21 Head Start programs, 12 colleges, and nine summer and after-school meal sites. ”
– Laura Vinal Senior Manager of Community Initiatives

    Bring these programs to your local community

    For more information regarding our School Partners program, School Pantry, Kid’s Café or to coordinate onboarding any of these programs into your school or community, please reach out to Good Shepherd Food Bank.

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    Two young students enjoy their lunch at school.