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Youth & Family Initiatives

Our Youth and Family Programs focus 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.

Child with plaid shirt hugging oranges and green apples

Support for kids when they need it most

Our programs serve Maine youth and families year-round.

School Pantry

We partner with over 210 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.

A young girl with her healthy plate of food in front of her.

Summer Food Service

During the summer months, we work with partners in Brewer and Bangor to serve up freshly prepared meals that are both nutritious and delicious for FREE to children ages 18 and under.

Use the Summer Meal Site Finder or text “Summer Meals” to 97779 / Call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.

Bring these programs to your local community

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

Two young students enjoy their lunch at school.

The Youth & Family Initiatives Support Team

Meet the team that supports our Youth and Family Initiative Programs.